NSCDC Busts Illegal Detention Camp in Lagos, Rescues 24, Arrests Four

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illegal detention camp in the Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 24 victims and arresting four suspected members of a cross-border criminal syndicate.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC in Itoga, Badagry, following intelligence reports on suspicious activities in the area.

According to the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, the suspects are nationals of Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana. The operation led to the arrest of the alleged kingpin and three other suspects linked to the illegal camp.

Keshinro, through a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the success of the operation was made possible through intelligence gathering and collaboration with members of the local community.

The raid resulted in the rescue of 24 victims, including 18 males and six females, among them a toddler. The victims are reported to be nationals of Togo, Benin Republic, and Nigeria.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the victims had been missing for periods ranging from three months to three years, with their families unaware of their whereabouts.

According to the commandant, the suspects allegedly operated an organised criminal network designed to extort money from victims’ relatives. Victims were reportedly forced to make telephone calls to family members, claiming they had been kidnapped, abducted, or involved in accidents in order to obtain ransom payments and other financial assistance.

The NSCDC further alleged that some victims were compelled to participate in fraudulent activities, engage in the illicit drug trade, and recruit other unsuspecting individuals into the camp.

Keshinro noted that several attempts by families to locate their missing relatives had failed until intelligence provided by local sources enabled security operatives to trace the hideout.

He appealed to members of the public who are searching for missing relatives to visit the command and assist in identifying the rescued victims.

The commandant assured that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be prosecuted upon completion of the inquiry.

The discovery comes months after the Lagos NSCDC dismantled a suspected baby factory in the Badagry axis of the state, where several women and children were rescued during a separate operation.