NSCDC uncovers illegal detention camp in Lagos, saves 24 people, arrests four suspects

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has found an illegal detention camp in Badagry, Lagos State. They rescued 24 victims, including a toddler, and arrested four suspected members of a cross-border crime group.

The suspects are from Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana. They were caught during an operation by NSCDC officials in Itoga, Badagry.

Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, shared this news in a statement on Friday through the command’s spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin.

Keshinro said the operation was successful because of gathering information and working with the community. He noted that they acted on credible tips about criminal activities in the area.

He stated, “Operatives of the NSCDC Lagos State Command, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, arrested the kingpin and three other suspected illegal foreign nationals linked to missing persons found at various black spots and hideouts in Itoga, Badagry.

“The operation also led to the rescue of 24 victims, comprising 18 males and six females, including a toddler. The victims are nationals of Togo, Benin Republic, and Nigeria and are believed to have been lured into the camps through inducements and other deceptive means.”

Keshinro explained that early investigations showed some victims had been missing for a long time before being rescued.

“Some of the victims had been declared missing by their families for periods ranging from three months to three years without any knowledge of their whereabouts,” he said.

Keshinro claimed that the suspects had a scheme to extort money from the victims' families.

He said, “The suspects forcefully compelled some of the victims to fabricate stories during telephone conversations with their families, claiming they had been kidnapped, abducted, or involved in accidents in a bid to obtain illicit money and ransoms from unsuspecting relatives.”

He also mentioned that while held in the camp, some victims were forced into criminal activities.

“The perpetrators also compelled some of the victims to engage in fraudulent activities, trade in hard drugs, and lure other unsuspecting persons into the camp,” he added.

Keshinro noted that families trying to find their missing loved ones had struggled until local intelligence led officers to the camp.

He asked the public searching for missing relatives to help identify the rescued victims.

“We call on members of the public to come forward and identify any of the victims who may be among relatives they have been searching for,” Keshinro said.

He concluded that the suspects would face prosecution after the investigations are finished.

“Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements,” he stated.