The Lagos Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued 24 foreign nationals, including a pregnant woman, from a suspected trans-border human trafficking camp in Badagry, Lagos State.
The victims were freed during a carefully coordinated operation carried out by officers of the NSCDC Badagry Division following credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected trafficking syndicate operating from Ilado in Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The operation led to the discovery and dismantling of a suspected trafficking hideout being used to harbour foreign nationals allegedly smuggled into the country through an organised international network.
Speaking during a visit by the Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Ajose Kumayon, the Divisional Officer of the NSCDC in Badagry, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Gbenga Ekunola, disclosed that operatives acted swiftly on intelligence reports that pointed to suspicious activities within a residential building in Ilado.
According to him, the property has been sealed off pending the conclusion of investigations on the movement of the victims into the country.
Ekunola revealed that the 24 rescued victims comprised both male and female foreigners, including a pregnant woman. He noted that preliminary interactions with the victims raised concerns about the scale of the trafficking operation.
“None of the victims could communicate effectively in English or any known Nigerian language, suggesting they may have been brought into the country through an organised transnational trafficking network,” he said.
The NSCDC boss added that arrangements were underway to transfer the victims to the appropriate authorities for profiling, medical care and eventual repatriation to their respective countries.
The rescue comes amid growing concerns over the use of remote communities along the Badagry border corridor by criminal syndicates involved in human trafficking and other trans-border crimes.
The operation marks the second major anti-trafficking breakthrough recorded by the NSCDC in the area within a short period.
Only recently, security operatives uncovered another suspected trafficking camp in Okuju-Ilado, leading to the rescue of several victims and the disruption of another criminal network.
The recurring discoveries have heightened concerns among residents and community leaders over the activities of traffickers operating within border communities.
Commending the NSCDC for the successful operation, Olorunda LCDA Chairman, Kumayon, described the repeated uncovering of trafficking camps as disturbing and called for sustained security operations to eliminate criminal elements from the area.
He praised officers and men of the corps for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“The discoveries are alarming and underscore the need for intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering. We must remain proactive in protecting our communities from criminal networks,” the chairman said.
Kumayon reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies through collaboration and community engagement aimed at preserving peace and security across the council area.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that effective security requires active cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.
Responding, CSC Ekunola expressed appreciation for the support of the local council and assured residents that the NSCDC would continue to work closely with other security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those involved in human trafficking and related crimes.
He reiterated the corps’ determination to dismantle criminal camps, strengthen border security and rid the Badagry area of all forms of criminality.
The breakthrough comes barely days after stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, gathered at a peace and security meeting convened by the Olorunda LCDA administration to address emerging security threats within the area.