NSCDC uncovers illegal detention camp in Lagos, rescues 24 victims
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has uncovered an illegal detention camp in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 24 victims, including a toddler. Four suspected members of a cross-border criminal syndicate, identified as nationals of Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana, were arrested during the operation. Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro stated that the raid followed credible intelligence and community engagement. The rescued victims, comprising 18 males and six females, are nationals of Togo, Benin Republic, and Nigeria, and are believed to have been lured into the camp through inducements and deceptive means. Preliminary investigations revealed that some victims had been missing for extended periods, ranging from three months to three years. Keshinro alleged that the suspects operated a scheme to extort money from victims' relatives by forcing victims to fabricate stories about being kidnapped or involved in accidents. The perpetrators also compelled some victims to engage in fraudulent activities, trade in hard drugs, and lure others into the camp. The commandant appealed to the public to come forward and identify any of the rescued victims who may be their missing relatives. He added that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded. This operation follows a similar bust in April by the Lagos NSCDC command, where a baby factory was uncovered in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry, leading to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children.
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