The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has smashed a suspected criminal syndicate linked to missing persons cases, arresting an alleged kingpin and three accomplices while rescuing 24 victims from hideouts in Badagry, Lagos State.
The breakthrough operation, carried out by operatives of the Badagry Divisional Headquarters, also led to the dismantling of several criminal camps allegedly used for unlawful confinement, extortion, fraud and other illicit activities.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, the operation was executed on June 4, 2026, following credible intelligence gathered through community informants and local security stakeholders in the Badagry West axis.
The operation, coordinated by the Divisional Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Ekunola Gbenga Abraham, resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including an alleged kingpin and three foreign nationals from Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana.
NSCDC operatives rescued 24 victims comprising 18 males and six females, including a toddler. The victims were citizens of Togo, Benin Republic and Nigeria.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the rescued victims had been declared missing by their families for periods ranging from three months to three years.
Investigators alleged that the suspects forced victims to contact their relatives with fabricated stories of kidnapping, accidents and other emergencies in a bid to extort money from unsuspecting family members.
The suspects were also accused of recruiting victims into fraudulent schemes and other criminal activities.
Some relatives of the victims reportedly disclosed that they had spent months and, in some cases, years searching for their loved ones before the NSCDC operation led to their rescue.
Reacting to the development, Lagos State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, commended the professionalism and vigilance of officers involved in the operation.
He described the success as further proof that intelligence-driven policing and community collaboration remain effective tools in the fight against crime.
Keshinro urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies, especially information that could help identify additional victims and their relatives.
He also directed that all suspects be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The latest operation adds to a string of successes recorded by the Badagry Division under the leadership of CSC Ekunola Gbenga Abraham.
The division has previously recorded major breakthroughs against petroleum smugglers operating along the Badagry-Seme border corridor and recently uncovered a suspected baby factory and unlawful confinement facility within its jurisdiction.
The Command said sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, market leaders, transport unions, vigilante groups, youth organisations and other community stakeholders has strengthened intelligence gathering and improved security across the Badagry axis.
NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, tackling trans-border crimes and ensuring that criminal elements have no hiding place in Lagos State.
