NSCDC dismantles trafficking hideout in Ilado, rescues 24 victims

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Badagry Division, has uncovered and dismantled a suspected human trafficking hideout in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, rescuing 24 victims believed to have been held by a transnational trafficking syndicate. The operation, carried out on credible intelligence, marks another breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on human trafficking networks operating within the Badagry axis - an area increasingly identified by security agencies as a corridor for cross-border criminal activities.

The raid, which led to the discovery of a residential building allegedly used as a detention facility, resulted in the rescue of 24 foreign nationals, including a pregnant woman.

NSCDC acted swiftly on intelligence, victims unable to speak English or local languages

Confirming the operation during a visit by the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, the Commanding Officer of the NSCDC in Badagry, Chief Superintendent of Corps, CSC, Gbenga Ekunola, said operatives acted swiftly on intelligence reports.

We received credible intelligence and immediately moved in on the location. The building in Ilado was being used as a hideout by suspected human traffickers.

— CSC Gbenga Ekunola, Commanding Officer, NSCDC Badagry

He disclosed that the property had been sealed while investigations were ongoing, adding that efforts were underway to profile and transfer the rescued victims to the appropriate authorities for care and repatriation. According to him, none of the victims could communicate effectively in English or any known Nigerian language - a development that further strengthened suspicions of an organised international trafficking network.

The latest rescue brings to two the number of similar operations carried out by the NSCDC in the Badagry axis within recent weeks, following the earlier bust of another trafficking syndicate in Okuju-Ilado. The development has raised fresh concerns over the increasing use of remote communities within Olorunda LCDA as safe havens by criminal elements involved in human trafficking. The operation also came barely 48 hours after a Peace and Security Stakeholders Meeting convened by the Olorunda LCDA administration at Iworo, where security challenges within the council area were discussed with stakeholders including security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders.

Council chairman calls for intensified surveillance after second bust

During his visit to the NSCDC divisional headquarters in Badagry, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, describing the recurring discovery of trafficking camps in the area as disturbing and calling for sustained surveillance and intensified security operations.

It is worrisome that we continue to discover these hideouts in our communities. We must intensify intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven in Olorunda LCDA.

— Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, Executive Chairman, Olorunda LCDA

Kumayon reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to supporting security agencies in safeguarding lives and property across the council area, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. In his response, CSC Ekunola appreciated the Chairman for his continued support, assuring that the NSCDC would not relent in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the division.

We will continue to work with other security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders. Our resolve to rid Badagry of criminal elements remains firm.

— CSC Gbenga Ekunola

The rescued victims are expected to be handed over to relevant authorities for profiling, medical attention and eventual repatriation, while investigations into the trafficking network continue.