By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Suspects and Victims |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Division, have successfully dismantled a major human trafficking and illegal confinement hub. The operation, conducted under the leadership of the Divisional Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Gbenga Ekunola, resulted in the rescue of 24 victims and the arrest of three key suspects.
The raid, which followed months of intelligence gathering and community-led surveillance, uncovered a hidden facility where victims mostly foreign nationals were being held under exploitative conditions. According to reports from the Lagos State Command, the victims included citizens from Togo and the Benin Republic, as well as one Nigerian from Imo State.
Investigations into the facility revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse. The syndicates allegedly lured victims into the country under false pretenses before subjecting them to unlawful detention, extortion, and psychological manipulation.
"The victims have suffered memory loss to the point that they cannot remember how they got into those confinements," said Oluwaseun Abolurin, the NSCDC Lagos State Command spokesperson. He further alleged that the perpetrators used food items laced with unknown substances to control the victims, effectively stripping them of their autonomy. Among those rescued were pregnant women and a young toddler, highlighting the brutal nature of the criminal enterprise.
The success of this operation was met with praise from local leadership, including the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon. Following the rescue, Hon. Kumayon visited the NSCDC divisional headquarters to commend the officers for their professionalism and swift response.
This breakthrough occurred shortly after a crucial Peace and Security Stakeholders Meeting in Iworo, where local leaders and security agencies discussed strategies to fortify the council area against emerging threats. Hon. Kumayon reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support for security forces to maintain peace across Olorunda.
As investigations continue, the NSCDC has called on families with missing relatives to come forward, as some of the rescued individuals had been reported missing for as long as three years. The Corps has reaffirmed its dedication to ridding Badagry of such criminal networks, emphasizing that the fight against human trafficking requires a concerted effort between security agencies and the public.
“We will do everything within our capacity to synergize with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Lagos is not a safe haven for criminals,” CSC Ekunola assured, noting that the rescued victims are currently being processed for proper care and eventual repatriation.