Egyptian police forces have arrested dozens of Egyptians and foreign nationals as part of a security campaign in Giza on "fugitives and violators," Ahram Arabic news website reported.

Twenty four "fugitive" Egyptians who have been sentenced in absentia were arrested Thursday during raids on rented apartments in the neighbourhoods of Agouza and Dokki in Giza, provincial security official Khaled Shalaby said.

Nineteen foreigners of different nationalities have also been arrested due to expired residence permits, according to Shalaby.

Officials say fugitives often rent apartments to hide out from authorities. Owners of the buildings are required by law to notify local police of their tenants.

Thursday's operation was aimed to clamp down on violators and fugitives, he added.

The extensive campaign comes days after similar raids by security forces on apartments and cafes in downtown Cairo days ahead of the 5th  anniversary of the 2011 revolution that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak.