The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has arrested a suspected kingpin and three other foreign nationals allegedly linked to cases of missing persons, while rescuing 24 victims from various hideouts in Itoga, Badagry area of Lagos State.
The operation, carried out by NSCDC operatives in Badagry on Thursday, June 4, 2026, followed credible intelligence and forms part of efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across the state.
Speaking on the development, the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, attributed the operational success to sustained community engagement and intelligence gathering in line with the directive of the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and tackle emerging security threats.
According to Keshinro, the suspects, who are nationals of Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana, were apprehended at identified black spots and hideouts in Itoga, Badagry.
He disclosed that the operation led to the rescue of 24 victims, comprising 18 males and six females, including a toddler. The victims include nationals of Togo and Benin Republic, as well as a resident of Imo State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the rescued individuals had been reported missing by their families for periods ranging from three months to three years, with relatives unaware that they were being held in illegal camps operated by the suspects.
The Commandant said investigations further uncovered that the suspects allegedly compelled their victims to make false claims to family members over the telephone, including stories of kidnapping, abduction and accidents, in an attempt to extort money and ransom payments from unsuspecting relatives.
He added that some of the victims were also allegedly forced to engage in fraudulent activities, illicit drug trafficking and the recruitment of other unsuspecting individuals into the network.
Keshinro noted that some families, after exhausting conventional efforts to locate their missing relatives, had resorted to traditional methods and spiritual consultations before the eventual breakthrough by security operatives.
He appealed to members of the public to come forward and assist in identifying any of the rescued victims who may be relatives or persons previously declared missing.
The Commandant assured that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ridding Lagos State of criminal elements and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes face the full weight of the law.
“The suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction after investigations are concluded to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements,” he said.
