Badagry Today

BREAKING: 𝐍𝐒𝐂𝐃𝐂 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐲, 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟒 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬

The fight against human trafficking in Badagry recorded another major breakthrough as operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Division, uncovered and dismantled a suspected human trafficking hideout in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, rescuing 24 victims believed to have been held by a trafficking syndicate.

The latest operation, carried out on the strength of credible intelligence, has further exposed the growing activities of transnational trafficking networks operating within parts of the Badagry axis and underscored the determination of security agencies to dismantle criminal camps and restore public safety.

The rescue operation attracted the attention of the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, who visited the divisional headquarters of the NSCDC in Badagry to commend officers and men of the command for their swift response and professionalism.

The breakthrough came barely 48 hours after the Olorunda LCDA administration convened a Peace and Security Stakeholders Meeting at the council secretariat in Iworo. The meeting brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to discuss emerging security challenges and strategies for safeguarding communities within the council area.

Briefing the Chairman during the visit, the Divisional Officer of the NSCDC in Badagry, Chief Superintendent of Corps Gbenga Ekunola, disclosed that operatives acted promptly on intelligence reports which led them to a residential building in Ilado being used as a base by suspected human traffickers.

According to him, the property has since been sealed while investigations continue.

Ekunola revealed that 24 victims comprising both male and female foreigners were rescued from the facility. Among those rescued was a pregnant woman. He noted that none of the victims could communicate effectively in English or any known Nigerian language, suggesting that they may have been brought into the country through an organized international trafficking network.

He added that arrangements were already being made to transfer the victims to the appropriate authorities for proper profiling, care and eventual repatriation to their countries of origin.

The latest success follows a similar operation recently carried out by the NSCDC in Okuju-Ilado, where another human trafficking syndicate was uncovered and victims rescued, raising concerns about the increasing use of remote communities by criminal elements involved in human trafficking.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Ajose praised the NSCDC for its vigilance, dedication and commitment to protecting lives and maintaining security within Badagry.

He described the repeated discoveries of trafficking camps in the area as disturbing and called for intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering and sustained operations against criminal networks.

The Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to supporting security agencies and strengthening collaboration aimed at protecting residents and preserving peace across Olorunda LCDA.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities, stressing that the fight against crime requires active cooperation between residents and security agencies.

Responding, CSC Ekunola appreciated the Chairman for his continued support and commitment to security matters. He assured residents that the NSCDC would continue working closely with other security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute criminals while intensifying efforts to rid Badagry of all forms of criminality.

The latest operation has been widely hailed as another significant step in the ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and strengthen security across Olorunda LCDA and the wider Badagry Division.