NSCDC Dismantles Illegal Detention and Human Trafficking Syndicate in Badagry

NSCDC Rescues 24 Victims from Illegal Detention Camp in Badagry

Global • Mon Jun 08 2026 • By Starkid

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a major operation against organized crime, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command has uncovered an illegal detention camp in the Itoga area of Badagry, leading to the rescue of 24 victims and the arrest of four foreign nationals.

Operation Highlights

Acting on actionable intelligence and sustained surveillance, NSCDC operatives raided the hideout, which served as a hub for human trafficking, extortion, and unlawful detention.

Suspects: The four arrested individuals are foreign nationals—reportedly from Togo, the Benin Republic, and Ghana—who allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated criminal network.
Victims Rescued: A total of 24 victims, including 18 males, six females, and a toddler, were liberated. Authorities confirmed that some victims had been held against their will for up to three years.
Criminal Modus Operandi: The syndicate engaged in a cruel scheme to extort money from the victims' families. The victims were coerced into making distress calls, falsely claiming they had been kidnapped or involved in accidents to solicit ransom payments. Furthermore, the suspects allegedly forced the captives to participate in fraudulent activities and illicit drug trade.

Call for Public Assistance

NSCDC Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, revealed that many of the rescued victims had been declared missing by their families years ago. The Command is now urging members of the public who have missing relatives to come forward and assist in identifying the rescued individuals, many of whom have suffered significant trauma and are currently under the care of the authorities.

The suspects remain in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation.

Context of Enforcement

This operation is part of the NSCDC’s heightened security efforts in the Badagry axis. It follows a significant crackdown in April 2026, where the Command dismantled a separate "baby factory" operation in the Ilado area, rescuing 28 victims, including several pregnant women and children.