The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has dismantled an illegal camp in Badagry linked to transnational fraud, human trafficking, and internet-based crime.
The operation led to the arrest of four foreign nationals and the rescue of 17 victims allegedly trapped in a fraudulent network marketing scheme operating under the name “QNET,” NSCDC Lagos spokesperson SC Oluwaseun Abolurin said on Monday.
Officers from the Badagry Divisional Headquarters carried out the raid under Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro, following intelligence coordinated by Divisional Officer CSC Ekunola Gbenga.
The action followed a report from Mr. Atokar Allah Iderim, a 28-year-old nurse from the Central African Republic, who said he was trafficked into Nigeria with false job promises.
Investigations showed the victim was lured from Togo by a Facebook contact, taken to a camp in Torikoh, Badagry, and held with other foreign nationals. They were allegedly subjected to extortion, intimidation, and unlawful confinement under the guise of investment opportunities.
NSCDC arrested three Togolese and one Beninese national during the raid. The 17 rescued victims include 12 men and five women aged 25 to 35.
The suspects reportedly offered CSC Ekunola and his team 130,000 CFA to secure their release, but the bribe was rejected.
Items recovered include an HP laptop, mobile phones, QNET-branded documents, leather bags, and pharmaceutical products. Intelligence shows recruits across West Africa were asked to pay up to 650,000 CFA to join the scheme.
The syndicate is believed to run multiple camps in Badagry communities, including Aradagun, Mowo, Badagry Town, and Limca. Some suspects fled when operatives arrived.
Security analysts called the operation a breakthrough against transnational organised crime and illegal migration networks along West Africa’s border.
Weeks earlier, CSC Ekunola led another raid in Okuju Ilado, Badagry, where 18 pregnant women, two adult females, 10 children, and an infant were rescued from a suspected baby factory. One suspect was arrested.
Commandant Keshinro warned those involved in trafficking, internet fraud, and unlawful detention to desist or face prosecution. He said the suspects and victims had been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Command, for further investigation.
The Command said it would continue strengthening inter-agency collaboration to dismantle criminal networks threatening Nigeria’s security and economy.
