Security operatives have arrested two former Togolese soldiers believed to be wanted in their home country, alongside more than 30 foreign nationals, during a major raid in Badagry, Lagos State.
The suspects were rounded up in an intelligence-driven operation carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Division, following weeks of surveillance on a suspected cross-border criminal network operating within the border community.
Sources disclosed that the operation targeted several locations across the Badagry axis and led to the arrest of nationals from Togo, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Gabon.
Investigators are probing allegations that the network lured young people from neighbouring countries into Nigeria with promises of jobs and business opportunities, only for some of the victims to allegedly face confinement, intimidation and extortion after arrival.
Security sources said several documents and other materials were recovered during the operation, while forensic and biometric checks have commenced to verify the identities of the suspects and establish possible links to transnational criminal groups.
Particular attention is being focused on two Togolese nationals whose identities reportedly match names contained in military desertion and wanted notices issued by authorities in Togo.
Although security agencies are yet to officially confirm the claims, investigators are said to be examining whether the suspects have links to political or military-related activities outside Nigeria.
A Facebook post by the Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, indicated that the operation was coordinated by officers of the NSCDC Badagry Division under the leadership of Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Ekunola Gbenga Abraham.
Sources said the arrests could have far-reaching implications for regional security as authorities work to uncover possible international connections and determine whether the group posed a wider threat across West Africa.
It was further gathered that the foreign nationals may be handed over to immigration authorities after profiling and the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
As of press time, the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC had yet to issue an official statement on the arrests, while other security agencies contacted for comments were yet to respond.
However, security sources maintained that investigations are ongoing and hinted that more revelations may emerge as authorities deepen efforts to unravel the activities of the suspected network.
