NSCDC Rescues 125 Victims, Arrests 18 Suspects in Badagry Crackdown

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has rescued 125 victims and arrested 18 suspects in a series of coordinated operations targeting operators of an alleged fake university, Ponzi schemes, school vandals, human traffickers and cross-border crime syndicates in Badagry, Lagos State.

The operations, conducted between July 14 and July 20, 2026, followed credible intelligence gathered through community engagements with stakeholders in the Badagry axis, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corps (SC) Oluwaseun Abolurin, said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the operations were carried out in Imeke, Itoga and Ibereko communities, leading to the rescue of 125 victims, comprising 107 Nigerians and 18 foreign nationals.

A major breakthrough came on Monday, July 20, when NSCDC operatives raided an alleged fake university operating from Imeke village in Olorunda Local Council Development Area. The institution, whose name was withheld, was allegedly admitting students illegally and running unaccredited courses, including nursing.

The Command said six suspects, aged between 24 and 31, were arrested in connection with the operation, while 107 unsuspecting victims were rescued.

The statement alleged that the victims were not only deceived with promises of admission but were also lured into participating in a Ponzi scheme after enrolling in the institution.

In a related operation on Sunday, July 19, NSCDC operatives arrested a Cameroonian national suspected of operating a Ponzi scheme and facilitating illegal entry into Nigeria.

Similarly, on Saturday, July 18, another suspect was arrested at Alafia Community along Itoga Road, Badagry, over alleged human trafficking and facilitation of illegal migration into the country.

The arrest led to the rescue of 10 Cameroonian nationals who, according to the NSCDC, had endured months of exploitation at the hands of the suspected traffickers.

Earlier, on Tuesday, July 14, the Command arrested seven suspects for allegedly vandalising public assets and infrastructure in schools at Ibereko, Badagry.

The NSCDC disclosed that five of the suspects were minors between the ages of 12 and 16, accused of vandalising school desks, electrical cables and office facilities. It added that the suspects had been prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.

The Command also arrested three foreign nationals, including a citizen of the Niger Republic, in connection with alleged Ponzi scheme operations, illegal migration and other offences involving the violation of extant laws and government policies in the Itoga and Imeke areas of Badagry.

Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Sunday Keshinro, directed that all suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He also warned members of the public, particularly prospective students, against falling victim to fraudulent admission offers that could lead to financial scams.

The Commandant further declared that attacks on school infrastructure and other public assets would not be tolerated, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and combating organised crime across the state.

The statement urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to curb criminal activities in their communities.