By Peter Dansu Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC in Badagry have uncovered a suspected cross border recruitm...
By Peter Dansu
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC in Badagry have uncovered a suspected cross border recruitment and network marketing syndicate following the arrest of 21 foreign nationals allegedly linked to a fraudulent scheme operating in parts of the town.
According to the NSCDC, the operation was carried out after a complaint was lodged on May 6, 2026, by a citizen of the Central African Republic identified as Atokari Allah Iderim, who alleged that he was deceived and unlawfully confined by persons connected to a business platform identified as QNET.
The complainant reportedly told security operatives that he was promised employment opportunities and arrangements to travel to Cameroon. However, upon arriving in Nigeria, he claimed he and several others were allegedly pressured into registering for the business scheme instead.
He further alleged that his mobile phone was seized and sold, while his foreign SIM cards were destroyed. According to him, he was later handed N10,000 for feeding and warned not to leave the premises until he was able to source money for registration into the business.
Following the complaint, NSCDC operatives stormed the Torikoh area of Badagry where 21 persons made up of 16 males and five females were arrested. The suspects are said to be nationals of Togo, Benin Republic and the Central African Republic.
The agency disclosed that some of the suspects identified themselves as leaders and trainers within the organisation, while preliminary investigations allegedly revealed that recruits were required to pay about 650,000 CFA francs before they could participate in the scheme.
Investigators also alleged that the group specialised in luring young people from neighbouring African countries into Nigeria with promises of better economic opportunities.
Further findings by the NSCDC reportedly showed that the syndicate operated through different camps and branches located in Aradagun, Mowo, Badagry Town and the Limca area of Badagry.
The suspects have since been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation over alleged immigration related offences, as several of them were reportedly found without valid travel documents.
The NSCDC stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the operation, identify other collaborators and determine possible offences bordering on irregular migration, fraudulent recruitment, extortion and unlawful restriction of movement.
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