The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has rescued 125 victims and arrested 18 suspects during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting a fake university, Ponzi scheme operators, human traffickers, school vandals and cross-border crime syndicates in Badagry.

The operations, carried out between July 14 and July 20, followed credible intelligence gathered through community engagement with stakeholders in the Badagry axis, leading to coordinated raids in Imeke, Itoga and Ibereko communities.

According to the command, the victims comprised 107 Nigerians and 18 foreign nationals, while those arrested are being investigated for offences ranging from operating an illegal tertiary institution and investment fraud to human trafficking, illegal migration and vandalism of public infrastructure.

One of the major breakthroughs came on Monday, July 20, when NSCDC operatives raided a fake university in Imeke, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, suspected of offering illegal admissions and unaccredited programmes, including nursing.

Six male suspects, aged between 24 and 31, were arrested during the operation.

Investigators discovered that 107 unsuspecting Nigerians who enrolled in the institution were allegedly lured into a Ponzi scheme after gaining admission.

In a related operation on July 19, the Corps arrested a Cameroonian over his alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme and the facilitation of illegal entry into Nigeria.

Another suspect was arrested on July 18 at Alafia community along Itoga Road, Badagry, for alleged human trafficking and facilitating the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the country.

The arrest resulted in the rescue of 10 Cameroonian nationals who, according to the NSCDC, had endured months of exploitation at the hands of traffickers seeking to profit from their plight.

Earlier, on July 14, operatives arrested seven suspects linked to the vandalism of public school facilities in Ibereko, Badagry. Following investigations, all seven were prosecuted.

The command disclosed that five of the suspects were minors aged between 12 and 16. They allegedly vandalised school desks, electrical cables and office facilities.

The NSCDC also arrested three additional foreign nationals, including a citizen of the Niger Republic, over alleged involvement in Ponzi scheme operations, illegal migration and other offences considered detrimental to national security in the Itoga and Imeke areas.

Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, directed that all suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He also cautioned prospective students against falling victim to fraudulent admission offers, warning that desperate attempts to gain admission into higher institutions could expose them to criminal schemes.

Keshinro further warned that the command would not tolerate attacks on public school infrastructure or any criminal activity capable of undermining public safety and national security in the state.