LAWMA Condemns Attack On Its Officers Along Lagos-Badagry Expressway

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has condemned the attack on its enforcement officers by suspected illegal waste operators during an environmental monitoring exercise along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, issued the condemnation in a statement released on Monday in Lagos by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi.

Gbadegesin described the incident as unacceptable and warned against any attempt to obstruct the agency’s lawful enforcement activities.

According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, during a routine environmental monitoring and compliance operation.

He said the enforcement team encountered individuals allegedly engaged in illegal waste disposal while carrying out their statutory duties.

“The enforcement team was attacked by suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise,” he said.

“Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government efforts,” he added.

Gbadegesin described the incident as a direct affront to government efforts to safeguard public health and maintain environmental sanitation across the state.

He stressed that such actions would not deter the agency from fulfilling its mandate of ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

The managing director noted that assaults on enforcement personnel constitute a serious offence under the law, adding that anyone found involved in the attack or obstruction would face prosecution.

He said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend all those connected to the incident.

Gbadegesin added that despite the attack, the enforcement team continued its monitoring operation along key corridors, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko, and Agbara.

He explained that the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

According to him, illegal cart-pushing activities and unauthorised dumpsites remain major challenges to effective waste management in Lagos State, posing significant risks to public health and environmental safety.

He urged residents and businesses to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of waste through authorised channels.

Gbadegesin also called on the public to support government efforts by complying with environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement across the state, warning that offenders would continue to face sanctions.

  

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World Food Safety Day: Lagos Pushes For More Safety Standards

Lagos State has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food safety standards across the state, as it joined the global observance of the 2026 World Food Safety Day with a renewed call for stricter compliance by food businesses and greater vigilance by consumers.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, made the call in a statement on Sunday to commemorate the annual event observed worldwide on June 7.

This year’s theme, “From Burdens to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” highlights the importance of preventing foodborne diseases and strengthening food safety systems across the food supply chain.

Mojola described food safety as a critical public health, economic and consumer protection issue, noting that ensuring the safety of food consumed by residents remains a priority for the Lagos State Government.

“Food safety is not optional; it is a necessity. Every meal consumed by Lagosians should meet the highest standards of safety and hygiene,” he said.

As one of Africa’s largest commercial centres, Lagos relies on a vast food distribution network involving manufacturers, processors, distributors, restaurants, hospitality operators and food vendors.

Mojola said maintaining safety standards across the chain requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders.

“Together, we can build a safer and healthier Lagos,” he added.

According to the commission, efforts to strengthen food safety have included routine inspections, safety audits and risk assessments of restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, shopping malls, hospitality establishments and other public facilities.

The agency said it also monitors compliance with safety regulations, issues safety compliance certifications and enforces corrective measures where violations are detected.

Mojola noted that the commission had intensified training and sensitisation programmes for food service operators and other stakeholders, focusing on food handling practices, hygiene standards, storage requirements, hazard control measures and consumer protection.

He said the commission recently organised and supported capacity-building workshops for stakeholders in the food, hospitality and events sectors as part of efforts to promote science-based food safety practices and regulatory compliance.

The director-general stressed that the agency would continue to work with industry operators and relevant stakeholders to strengthen food safety systems and improve public awareness.

He urged businesses, institutions and households to make food safety a priority and support initiatives aimed at reducing foodborne risks.

“Safe food today for a healthier Lagos tomorrow,” Mojola said.

  

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Human Rights Advocacy Group Urges Lagos CP To Commence Trial Of Ajiran Murders Suspects

THE Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai to demonstrate firm leadership by ensuring that the trial of suspects linked to the gruesome murder of two Ajiran indigenes – Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye commence without further delay.

The President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, who made the appeal on Monday at a press conference in Lagos, also demanded that the suspects should be promptly arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to enhance unimpeded trial.

Omotehinse said the two separate incidents, which occurred in April 2023 and August 2024 respectively, remain stark reminders of the grave threat posed by organised violence and the urgent need for institutional accountability.

He said the CHSR, acting within its statutory mandate to defend justice and protect citizens’ rights, considers it imperative to address the public on the trajectory of the incidents leading to ongoing trial, particularly in the light of emerging facts, procedural concerns, and attempts to derail the course of justice.

Omotehinse added that beyond a mere criminal investigation, this matter has evolved into a broader scrutiny of the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, the resilience of law enforcement institutions, and the collective will of society to resist impunity.

He said: “It is on record that the immediate past Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, now Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, made concerning disclosure while briefing journalists at the Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja on February 19, 2026. According to him, the declaration of Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi as a wanted person followed the arrest and confessional statements of two principal suspects directly linked to the killings.

“The Commissioner stated that Safiu Fatai (a.k.a. Fabo, 40) and Yusuf Ismaila (a.k.a. Bariga) were apprehended on January 24, 2026, and February 6, 2026, respectively, after the Command reopened investigations into the murder incidents; upon the emergence of new and compelling evidence.

“According to Mr. Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, the suspects confessed to their roles in the murder of Sheriff Salami Ishola, aged 37, who was killed on April 18, 2023, at about 3:00 p.m. in Moba Town, Eti-Osa, as well as Prince Ademola Akinloye, aged 38, who was shot dead on August 26, 2024, along Chevron Road, Ajiran.”

He noted that the police narrative further established that on April 18, 2023, at about 1500 hours, Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny armed with a locally fabricated pistol, axe, and machetes ambushed Sheriff Salami Ishola. The victim was forcibly taken into an isolated building along Mobile Road in Moba, Ajah, where he was restrained and shot multiple times at close range, leading to his immediate death. The assailants thereafter fled the scene.

On the second incident, he said the same group reportedly adopted a similar modus operandi in the killing of Prince Ademola Akinloye, son of Oba Adetunji Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiran Land. The attack occurred on August 26, 2024, at about 11:00 a.m. along Chevron Road, where the victim was shot repeatedly leading to his death from gunshot injuries.

He said further disclosures from suspects in custody revealed that both crimes were allegedly carried out on the orders of Akanbi, who is accused of sponsoring the operations, with the claim that they were paid the sum of N2 million, with an initial disbursement of N500,000 to each principal actor shortly after the first killing, alongside promises of additional rewards, including opportunities for foreign travel and enhanced social status.

The CHSR stressed that while the revelations provide a disturbing but necessary insight into the nature of the crimes, it expresses serious concern over procedural delays and the handling of the case, particularly in relation to timely prosecution, adding that such delays risk creating legal loopholes that may be exploited to obstruct justice.

“Equally troubling are the activities of certain individuals and groups who, under the guise of civil society advocacy, are actively promoting narratives aimed at discrediting the investigative process as well as obstructing the cause of justice. The antics of these self-styled agitators are not only inimical to the cause of justice but constitute a direct threat to peace and orderliness in the society.

“We are also alarmed by attempts to weaponise legal processes, including the pursuit of restraining orders, to frustrate legitimate authority of law enforcement agencies. This pattern raises concerns regarding coordinated attempts to undermine due process.”

  

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Lagos Attorney-General Rejects Bid To Halt Inquest Into Death Of Chimamanda’s Son

The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), alongside the state’s Chief Coroner and the presiding Coroner for the Lagos Coroner’s District, have challenged a suit seeking to halt the ongoing inquest into the death of master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
 The respondents urged the court to dismiss the application in its entirety, describing it as an attempt to circumvent established legal procedures.

 In a preliminary objection dated June 5, 2026, filed in response to a judicial review application instituted by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of a hospital in Victoria Island where the child reportedly died on January 7, 2026.
 Eurapharma had earlier secured an interim order from the Lagos State High Court sitting in Osborne, Ikoyi, presided over by Justice A.O. Opesanwo, temporarily staying proceedings in the coroner’s inquest pending the determination of its substantive application.

 In the suit, the hospital is seeking orders of certiorari and prohibition to quash decisions of the Coroner’s Court and restrain further proceedings in the inquest.
 However, in their objection, the respondents comprising the Coroner, Chief Coroner and Attorney-General, argued that the suit is incompetent, premature and constitutes an abuse of court process.

 In a joint written address, they contended that the applicant failed to establish any legal basis for invoking the supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court through judicial review.
 They maintained that under Nigerian law, the remedy of certiorari is only available where a lower tribunal or authority has acted without jurisdiction or exceeded its statutory powers.

 Citing provisions of the Coroners System Law of Lagos State, the respondents argued that the Coroner possesses exclusive authority to investigate suspicious deaths within the relevant jurisdiction, and that the decision to proceed with the inquest falls squarely within those powers.
 They further submitted that Section 21 of the law empowers a coroner to conduct an inquest even in situations where the body of the deceased is unavailable or has been destroyed.

 On that basis, they rejected the hospital’s argument that the alleged cremation of the deceased’s remains deprived the Coroner of jurisdiction.
 The respondents also argued that issues surrounding the alleged cremation and the absence of an autopsy report had not been formally presented before the Coroner’s Court, making the judicial review application speculative.

 According to them, the hospital is effectively inviting the High Court to intervene in matters on which the Coroner has not yet made any determination.
 “The applicant seeks to invite this Honourable Court into a realm of speculation by asking it to intervene in issues yet to be considered by the Coroner,” the respondents submitted.

 They also dismissed claims that the Coroner’s directive requiring the hospital to call witnesses first amounted to a breach of fair hearing.
 Relying on judicial authorities, including Gyang v Commissioner of Police and Yusuf v State, they argued that fair hearing is satisfied where parties are given adequate opportunity to present their case, and that no such denial had been demonstrated.

 Consequently, the respondents urged the court to dismiss the application in its entirety, describing it as an attempt to circumvent established legal procedures governing investigations into suspicious deaths.
 They further maintained that the suit was filed prematurely, as the Coroner’s Court had yet to conclude its proceedings or make substantive findings.

 Justice Opesanwo subsequently adjourned the matter until September 28, 2026, for the hearing of all preliminary objections.

  

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Lagos Rail Network To Be Extended To The Airport - Keyamo

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to extend the existing Lagos rail network to the domestic and international terminals of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
The government also said that despite the arrays of airports in the country, 67 per cent of the total passenger traffic arrive or depart from Lagos airport.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated these on Monday in his remark at the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0, powered by the Lagos State Government.
According to Keyamo, discussions were already underway between the ministry and the Lagos State Government to commence the rail project into the airport.

Keyamo expressed that this move was aimed at strengthening Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading aviation hub.
Keyamo posited that the proposed rail extension would connect the existing rail line that currently terminates at Ikeja Bus Stop to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and move further through the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), a facility that is operated by the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) before reaching the international wing of the airport.

He declared that the project when completed, would significantly improve accessibility to Nigeria’s busiest airport and support the government’s vision of transforming Lagos into a major aviation and logistics hub for Africa.
He said: “We are also planning to extend the rail line that ends at Ikeja Bus Stop. We are working with the Lagos State government to extend that rail line all the way to the local, through the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) and all the way to the international airport.

“That rail line is about to start. It’s the extension of the rail line. So, Lagos is just ready for the next big step in terms of its aviation activities.”
Besides, Keyamo revealed that Lagos accounts for about 67 per cent of all passenger traffic passing through Nigeria’s airports, which further shows the state’s strategic importance to the country’s aviation sector.

He explained that the state possesses unique geographical advantages that positioned it to compete with established African aviation hubs such as Addis Ababa and Lome in Ethiopia and Togo, respectively.
He added: “Just six hours across the Atlantic, you will get to South America from the Lagos airport. Six hours down, you’ll get to Southern Africa. Six hours to the Middle East, you’ll get to Dubai or Qatar.

“Six hours up, you will get to Europe, either France or London. That is the equidistant advantage that Lagos also provides as a hub, the whole of Africa. So, we will soon catch up with hubs like Addis Ababa, with hubs like Togo.
The minister also mentioned the ongoing investments in airport infrastructure under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He emphasised that the government had committed about $500 million towards the reconstruction and modernisation of the demolished international terminal at the Lagos airport.
He expressed that the investment intended to transform the about 50-year-old airport into a world-class facility capable of supporting increased passenger and cargo traffic.

The minister further noted that the government had expanded Nigeria’s international airport network with the addition of Victor Attah International Airport and Maiduguri International Airport, bringing the number of international airports in the country to seven.
He also mentioned the resolution of the legal tussle between BASL and the Federal Government as one of the achievements of the government since coming onboard about three years ago.

He argued that this indicated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for private sector participation.
He appealed to local and foreign investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the aviation sector, including the proposed airport project in the Lekki-Epe corridor that is being promoted by the Lagos State Government.

  

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No Safe Haven For Criminals In Lagos – LNS, Arrest Over 270 Suspects

As part of the ongoing war against crime and criminality in Lagos State, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has carried out a massive statewide raid of identified blackspots, criminal hideouts, and shanties across the metropolis, leading to the arrest of 279 suspected criminals, hoodlums, and miscreants.

Speaking while parading the suspects at the Agency’s Headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, the General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan FISN warned criminals and other individuals with unlawful intentions to stay away from Lagos State or face the full weight of the law.

According to Oyekan, the operation was carried out from the late hours of Sunday through Monday as part of the State Government’s sustained efforts to rid Lagos of criminal elements and maintain law and order. He explained that the exercise was intelligence-driven, leveraging the Agency’s extensive network of community informants and operatives to identify black spots and criminal hideouts in various parts of the state.

The General Manager disclosed that a total of 279 suspects, comprising 274 males and five females from different parts of the country, were arrested for various offences, including theft, public nuisance, and other criminal activities. He noted that many of the suspects had no means of identification and could not provide verifiable residential addresses.

Oyekan further revealed that some of those arrested for constituting a public nuisance were individuals who allegedly entered Lagos aboard lorries and other vehicles commonly used to transport livestock and goods into the state. He emphasised that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside in and move freely within any part of the country, Lagos State will not tolerate criminality or activities that undermine the peace and security enjoyed by residents.

“The exercise is in line with the mandate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to ensure that Lagos retains its position as the safest and most secure state in Nigeria despite its large and growing population. Through our intelligence network and collaboration with sister security agencies, we will continue to ensure that law-abiding residents feel the presence of government while criminals find no hiding place in Lagos,” he said.

The LNSA boss also disclosed that two suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to steal a submersible pumping machine from a residential apartment. Several others were found in possession of dangerous weapons, including machetes and knives, as well as suspected illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

Reiterating the Agency’s commitment to public safety, Oyekan stated that the operation would be sustained and expanded in collaboration with relevant security and law enforcement agencies across the state.

Following the raid, all the suspects were transferred to the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for further investigation and possible prosecution.

  

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Aftermath Of NSCDC Raid On Detention Camp In Badagry: We Do Not Offer Oversea Jobs, Says QNET

A global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, QNET has commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its recent operation in Lagos State that led to the rescue of several individuals and the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in human trafficking, unlawful detention and fraudulent activities.
  The company, in a statement, strongly condemned all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation and other criminal acts, describing the NSCDC’s intervention as timely and necessary to protect vulnerable persons.

QNET clarified that it has no involvement in employment recruitment, overseas job placements, visa processing, migration services or schemes promising guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment.
It stressed that any individual or group making such claims is acting without its knowledge, authorisation or consent.

Commenting on the development, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Biram Fall, expressed sympathy for those affected and urged members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
  His words: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation. We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals,” he said.

Fall urged the public to verify information through official channels and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities, noting that protecting consumers and safeguarding the company’s reputation remain top priorities.
  The company reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation and unethical conduct, adding that it actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework and sanctions any independent distributor found to have violated its policies.

QNET noted that since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited in 2022, it has strengthened collaboration with government agencies, consumer protection bodies, law enforcement institutions and the media to tackle scams and misinformation linked to its brand.
  Among its anti-fraud initiatives is the “Say NO!” campaign launched in November 2023, alongside partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The company added that similar awareness campaigns have been implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone under its broader QNET Against Scams programme aimed at educating the public on identifying legitimate business opportunities and avoiding fraudulent schemes.
  QNET reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, regulators, security agencies, the media and civil society organisations to combat fraud, protect consumers and promote ethical entrepreneurship across Africa.

The company encouraged members of the public to verify information about its products and business model through its official website, and to report suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes or misuse of its name through its compliance and integrity channels.

Recall that the NSCDC recently burst a syndicate that specializes on luring unwary foreigners into Nigeria with promise of securing them jobs only to detain them in a kidnap den located in the Badagry area of Lagos. QNET reportedly had no direct involvement and is not affiliated with the syndicate, but its name was used by the illegal cross-border network as a cover to deceive, extort, and unlawfully detain vulnerable job seekers.

The syndicate lured young people from Togo, Benin Republic, and the Central African Republic to Nigeria with false promises of employment or travel opportunities. Upon arrival, the victims were confined in camps, their phones and SIM cards were seized, and they were coerced into paying high registration fees (roughly 650,000 CFA) for a "QNET" business scheme. 

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How I Escaped Mob Attack At Ladipo Market - Lagos APC Chieftain Joe Igbokwe

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe  has escaped a mob attack in the popular Ladipo Market, Lagos State.

Igbokwe narrated the incident in a video he posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday.

The APC Chieftain said he was in the market to get some vehicle spare parts to fix his car when some youths identified him and angrily mobilised to attack him.

Igbokwe said, when the mobs were moving close to his vehicle, he decided to take cover in his friend’s shop before the leadership of the market came to his rescue.

He said, “Yesterday, I went to Ladipo Market to get some spare parts for my vehicle. When I went looking for the parts, some people started calling my name, pointing fingers at me. I ignored them and went in search of what I wanted to get.

“I got the parts and I went to my vehicle to fix it, before I knew it, the Ladipo boys started gathering, they were shouting, “this is the Igbokwe, this is the Igbokwe, so you can come this market”?

“I initially ignored them but they started coming and coming, so I moved away to my friend’s shop. My friend gathered the leadership of the market,, and then when I came out, people gathered and started saying all manner of things but I didn’t say anything, I just drove away.

“I came to Facebook this morning and saw a post that Joe Igbokwe was beaten. I was not beaten. This is me. There are things you cannot do here, you can go to the Southeast and be doing all the rubbish you have been doing there but not in Lagos.

“I pray that it doesn’t happen again. I know what to do”.

He continued: “There was no mob attack. Nobody touched my body. It was just that they were making noise and people tried to caution them.

“Maybe politics. Maybe because I am an APC man. Maybe because I don’t like the politics they play. Make friends with major ethnic groups, and that is how you can rule Nigeria, but it is not forthcoming.”

Igbokwe added that some people often view his comments and advice as antagonistic despite his intentions.

“There are things we saw during the first civil war. If you advise them, you will become an enemy. You become a saboteur,” he said.

Joe Igbokwe is a prominent, decades-long political figure in Lagos, best known for his vocal role as the spokesperson for the ruling party and as a cabinet appointee under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

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What I Expect From You Is More Than Romance - Actress Jessica Larny Writes Open Letter To Her Future Husband

Actress Jessica Larny has touched hearts with a deeply personal message addressed to her future husband, offering a glimpse into her hopes for love, companionship and a lasting relationship.

In the emotional note shared recently, the actress expressed her desire to meet a man whose presence embodies peace, wisdom and sincerity.

“I don’t know where you are right now or what path life is taking you through, but I hope you are becoming the kind of man whose presence feels like peace,” she wrote. “I pray your heart stays soft, your mind stays wise, and your intentions stay pure.”

The actress said she could not promise perfection when they eventually meet, but pledged honesty, loyalty, laughter and unwavering commitment, even during difficult moments.

“I hope we build something deeper than appearances — a friendship, a safe place and a home within each other,” she added.

Larny also expressed her desire for a relationship that thrives beyond the excitement of romance, one where both partners continue to support each other’s ambitions and nurture their bond through life’s challenges.

“Until then, I’m growing too: learning, healing, evolving and preparing myself for the kind of love that lasts. Whoever you are, I hope you find me at the right time,” she wrote.

Beyond matters of the heart, the outspoken actress has also used her platform to address challenges facing young women in the film industry, particularly the issue of sexual exploitation and quid pro quo demands.

Speaking with Potpourri, Larny urged aspiring actresses not to succumb to pressure from individuals who attempt to exchange opportunities for personal favors.

“I went through that countless times because some people assume you are desperate for fame or unaware of how the industry works,” she said. “If a role is meant for you, there will be no quid pro quo attached to it. Focus on your craft, deliver your best performance and move on.”

According to her, every role matters, regardless of its size, stressing that a well-executed performance can leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Larny further encouraged women to remain focused on their career goals and avoid shortcuts that could compromise their values.

“When women understand their purpose and stay committed to their dreams, some people may try to create shortcuts for them. But talents are the foundation of this industry. Producers, directors and actors all have important roles to play, and everyone should be mindful of actions that undermine professionalism,” she said.

Born Jessica Naa Nuerkie Larnyoh, the actress later shortened her professional name to Jessica Larny after repeatedly encountering difficulties with producers and editors who struggled to spell her full name correctly. Today, she continues to build her profile as both a performer and an advocate for professionalism and integrity within the entertainment industry.

The Ghanaian actress has featured in many Nollywood movies and has a strong fans base in Nigeria, especially in the city of Lagos.

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NSCDC Burst Kidnappers Detention Camp In Badagry, Frees 24 Victims Including Toddler

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered an illegal detention camp in the Badagry area of Lagos State and rescued 24 victims, including a toddler.

Four suspected members of a cross-border criminal syndicate, said to be nationals of Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana, were arrested during an operation carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC in Itoga, Badagry.

The Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin.

Keshinro attributed the success of the operation to intelligence gathering and community engagement, noting that the raid followed credible information on activities at suspected criminal hideouts in the area.

He said, “Operatives of the NSCDC Lagos State Command, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, arrested the kingpin and three other suspected illegal foreign nationals linked to missing persons found at various black spots and hideouts in Itoga, Badagry.

“The operation also led to the rescue of 24 victims comprising 18 males and six females, including a toddler. The victims are nationals of Togo, Benin Republic and Nigeria and are believed to have been lured into the camp through inducements and other deceptive means.”

The commandant disclosed that preliminary investigations showed that some of the victims had been missing for extended periods before they were rescued.

“Some of the victims had been declared missing by their families for periods ranging from three months to three years without any knowledge of their whereabouts,” he said.

Keshinro alleged that the suspects operated an elaborate scheme aimed at extorting money from victims’ relatives.

He said, “The suspects forcefully compelled some of the victims to fabricate stories during telephone conversations with their families, claiming they had been kidnapped, abducted or involved in accidents in a bid to obtain illicit money and ransoms from unsuspecting relatives.”

He further alleged that the victims were forced into criminal activities while being held in the camp.

“The perpetrators also compelled some of the victims to engage in fraudulent activities, trade in hard drugs and lure other unsuspecting persons into the camp,” he added.

The commandant said efforts by some families to locate their missing relatives had proved unsuccessful until intelligence obtained from local sources led operatives to the hideout.

He appealed to members of the public searching for missing relatives to come forward and assist in identifying the rescued victims.

“We call on members of the public to come forward and identify any of the victims who may be among relatives they have been searching for,” Keshinro said.

He added that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

“Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements,” he stated.

  

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