The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps says it uncovered an alleged fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos, rescuing 106 young people and arresting the suspected proprietor as investigations continue into the cross-border recruitment scheme.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Area Command, has uncovered a suspected fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, rescuing 106 youths allegedly lured into the scheme with promises of foreign university admission.
The operation, carried out after days of intelligence gathering and surveillance, also led to the arrest of the suspected proprietor of the institution, who is currently assisting investigators. Authorities say the victims include Nigerians and nationals of neighbouring West African countries who believed they had enrolled in a legitimate international academic programme.
NSCDC says operation followed intelligence
According to the NSCDC, the raid was conducted after credible intelligence revealed suspicious activities at the residential building, which allegedly served as the operational base of an unregistered institution masquerading as a university.
Badagry Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola said operatives monitored the premises before moving in to dismantle the operation.
The command said the alleged institution had no official name, no accreditation, no recognised campus and no registration with relevant education authorities, despite presenting itself online as being affiliated with a foreign university.
Victims allegedly recruited online
Preliminary investigations indicate that prospective students were recruited through online advertisements and social media platforms.
The victims were reportedly told they had secured admission into an overseas tertiary institution after paying admission, registration and processing fees.
Investigators said some Nigerian victims allegedly paid between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals reportedly paid between $400 and $500 before travelling to Badagry. Many believed they were enrolling in a recognised international distance-learning programme.
Referral scheme under investigation
The NSCDC said investigations suggest participants were encouraged to recruit additional students in exchange for commissions, raising suspicions that the operation may have functioned as a referral-based or Ponzi-style recruitment scheme disguised as an educational institution.
Authorities are also examining financial records, digital communications and payment channels to determine the full scope of the alleged operation and whether it has links to a wider transnational fraud network.
Families unaware of victims’ whereabouts
Ekunola disclosed that many parents were unaware of the true nature of the programme.
According to him, some families believed their children had travelled to Lagos for vocational training or employment rather than to attend the purported university.
The NSCDC said efforts are underway to contact the families of the rescued youths while profiling the victims to distinguish those who may have been deceived from anyone who may have actively participated in recruiting others.
Investigation continues
The command said the rescued youths remain in protective custody while investigations continue.
Authorities added that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law, while genuine victims will be reunited with their families after the investigation is concluded.
Nigeria has witnessed several cases in recent years involving fraudulent educational and recruitment schemes targeting young people seeking admission, employment or opportunities abroad.
Security agencies have repeatedly advised prospective students to verify the accreditation status of institutions through the appropriate regulatory bodies before making payments or accepting admission offers.
The NSCDC said the latest discovery highlights the growing sophistication of online recruitment scams and the need for greater vigilance among applicants and parents.