Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
BADAGRY, Lagos State — May 11, 2026 — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, have dismantled an alleged illegal detention and human trafficking camp in the Torikoh area of Badagry, rescuing 17 victims and arresting four foreign nationals suspected of operating a cross-border criminal syndicate.
The operation was carried out following a complaint lodged on May 7, 2026, by a 28-year-old nurse from the Central African Republic, identified as Atokar Allah Iderim. According to NSCDC officials, the victim reported that he had been deceived, unlawfully detained, extorted, and subjected to various forms of abuse after being lured to Nigeria with promises of lucrative employment opportunities.
Investigators said Iderim was allegedly recruited through a Facebook contact identified as Lansu Alex, a Togolese national, who persuaded him to travel first to Togo and subsequently to Nigeria with assurances of a better life and employment. Upon arrival, however, he allegedly discovered that the promises were false and that he had become trapped in a fraudulent operation operating under the guise of a network marketing business known as "QNET."
According to the NSCDC, victims were allegedly pressured to pay a registration fee of approximately 650,000 CFA francs before being allowed to participate in the scheme. Those unable to raise the money reportedly faced intimidation, unlawful confinement, and exploitation. Authorities further alleged that some victims had their mobile phones confiscated, personal belongings sold, and communications with the outside world restricted.
Following intelligence verification, Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro directed operatives from the Badagry Division, led by Chief Superintendent of Corps Ekunola Gbenga, to raid the facility. During the operation, officers arrested four male suspects comprising three Togolese nationals and one citizen of the Republic of Benin. Officials withheld their names pending further investigation.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of 17 victims, including 12 men aged between 25 and 35 years and five women aged between 25 and 30 years. Most of the victims were foreign nationals from West and Central African countries who had reportedly entered Nigeria believing they were pursuing legitimate business and employment opportunities.
NSCDC officials said investigations uncovered evidence suggesting the camp was allegedly involved in human trafficking, illegal migration, extortion, fraud, unlawful detention, and other transnational crimes. During the raid, operatives recovered an HP laptop computer, mobile phones, files, QNET-branded documents, bags, and other materials believed to have been used in the operation.
Authorities further disclosed that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe NSCDC officers with 130,000 CFA francs after their arrest. The money was rejected and retained as evidence.
Investigators also discovered that the syndicate may have been operating from several locations across Badagry. Four separate camps were identified in Torikoh, Aradagun, Mowo, and Badagry Town. While some locations were found abandoned before the arrival of security operatives, officials indicated that efforts were underway to locate additional suspects and shut down all facilities linked to the operation.
Lagos State Commandant Keshinro described the operation as part of ongoing efforts by the NSCDC to combat human trafficking, illegal migration, and organised cross-border crime. He warned criminal groups against using Lagos border communities as bases for illegal activities and vowed that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
In line with inter-agency cooperation protocols, the arrested suspects and rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and possible prosecution. Authorities stated that inquiries are continuing to determine the full scope of the network's operations, identify collaborators, and establish whether additional victims remain trapped in similar facilities.
The case has drawn attention to growing concerns about human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes targeting vulnerable individuals across West and Central Africa. Security agencies have urged members of the public to verify overseas job offers and report suspicious recruitment activities to authorities.
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