NSCDC discovers alleged fake university in Badagry, rescues 106 youths

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) discovered an alleged fraudulent academic and recruitment scheme in the Ilado area of Olorunda Local Council Development, with over 100 young individuals from Nigeria and neighboring West African countries.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from the Badagry Area Command confirmed to Badagry Today that the operation had been dismantled, resulting in the protective custody of 106 youths and the arrest of the alleged owner of this illegal institution.

The operation occurred early Monday morning following several days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance by NSCDC agents.

A visit by Badagry Today to the site shortly after the raid revealed a chaotic scene filled with young men and women, many appearing confused about their situation. Most of those found present were aged between 19 and 24.

Further investigation by Badagry Today showed that the individuals were from various regions of Nigeria, including Kogi, Oyo, and several northern states, as well as from neighboring countries like Niger, Cameroon, and Togo, who were recruited online.

Alarmingly, the so-called university had no official name, signage, registration, or recognized campus, operating solely out of the rented apartment while presenting itself online as a distance learning center linked to a foreign university.

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In an exclusive interview with Badagry Today, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, stated that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received by the command.

“We received reliable information about the activities taking place there. Our officers observed the location for several days before intervening. We arrested the proprietor, who is aiding our investigation, and the students have been placed in our protective custody,” he explained.

Initial investigations indicate that unsuspecting youths were allegedly misled into believing they had gained admission to a foreign institution after paying fees characterized as admission and processing costs.

Victims reported paying amounts ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals and citizens claimed they paid between $400 and $500.

However, the supposed admission was coupled with an additional requirement where students were encouraged to recruit others into the program, with promises of earning commissions for successful referrals.

This recruitment approach appeared to function like a chain marketing or Ponzi scheme, where participants received increasing financial rewards based on the number of new enrollees they brought in.

One victim shared that after paying $400, he persuaded his brother in Kogi State to join, and he had begun earning commissions from those referrals.

NSCDC investigators also uncovered that some students were reportedly involved in promoting undisclosed products online while earning percentages from both sales and recruitment.

Chief Superintendent Ekunola expressed concern that many parents were unaware of what their children were doing in Badagry.

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“We have started reaching out to their families. One parent informed us her child had told them he went to Badagry to learn a trade, not to attend a university. This indicates that many parents were completely unaware,” he noted.

He assured Badagry Today that every victim would be profiled, and efforts would be made to reunite them with their families after investigations concluded. He also pledged that those responsible for running the alleged fake institution would face legal action.

This incident highlights the increasing threat posed by fraudulent online admission schemes that target vulnerable youths searching for educational opportunities abroad.

As investigations proceed, security authorities are working to uncover the full scope of the network, identify potential collaborators, and determine if similar operations exist in other areas of Nigeria.