NSCDC Busts Illegal Detention Facility in Lagos, Rescues 24 Victims

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illegal detention facility in Badagry Lagos State, rescuing 24 victims, including pregnant women and foreign nationals allegedly held under exploitative and inhumane conditions.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be responsible for running the facility, which authorities described as part of a broader criminal network involved in unlawful confinement and exploitation.

Speaking during a press briefing at the NSCDC Badagry Division Headquarters in Ibeko, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command, Mr. Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and community-based surveillance.

According to him, information collected through community engagement programmes conducted between January and March enabled security operatives to identify and dismantle the facility.

The raid was led by the Divisional Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps Gbenga Ekunola.

Abolurin disclosed that the rescued victims included citizens of Togo and the Benin Republic, as well as a Nigerian from Imo State.

He revealed that some of the victims had been missing for several years before their rescue.

“A female victim gave birth to a baby girl while in captivity,” he said.

He further disclosed that two other women were pregnant at the time of the rescue, highlighting the severe conditions under which the victims had been held.

According to preliminary investigations, some victims had been confined for as long as three years, while others had reportedly been missing for periods ranging from six to nine months.

“The victims have suffered memory loss to the point that they cannot remember how they got into those confinements,” Abolurin stated.

The NSCDC spokesperson described the discovery as a significant breakthrough against organised criminal activities involving unlawful detention and possible trafficking.

“We have been able to smash this criminal syndicate,” he said.

Authorities declined to disclose the precise location of the facility, citing operational and security considerations.

“That is still classified. It is important for security reasons,” Abolurin explained.

He appealed to families searching for missing relatives to contact the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC, expressing optimism that additional victims could be identified through ongoing investigations.

The agency also pledged closer collaboration with other security institutions, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to strengthen efforts against kidnapping, human trafficking and related crimes.

“We will do everything within our capacity to synergise with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Lagos is not a safe haven for criminals,” he assured.

The NSCDC said investigations remain ongoing and promised that all individuals connected to the operation of the illegal detention facility would face the full weight of the law.