What appeared to be a genuine opportunity to study abroad has turned into a fraud case after the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) uncovered a fake university in Lagos operating from a residential apartment.
The operation led to the rescue of 106 young people who were allegedly deceived with promises of admission into a foreign university.
Moreover, investigators believe the operation may be part of a wider recruitment network stretching beyond Nigeria.
The raid was carried out in the early hours of Monday by operatives of the NSCDC Badagry Area Command after several days of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
During the operation, the alleged proprietor of the institution was arrested, while the rescued students were taken into protective custody as investigations continue.
According to the NSCDC, the suspected institution operated from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, located within Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
Despite presenting itself online as a distance-learning centre linked to a foreign university, the facility reportedly had no official name, registration, recognised campus, or signboard.
Speaking after the operation, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, explained that the raid followed credible intelligence received by the command.
He said:
“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody.”
Furthermore, preliminary investigations revealed that most of the rescued individuals were between the ages of 19 and 24. They reportedly came from different parts of Nigeria, including Kogi State, Oyo State and several northern states.
In addition, some of the victims reportedly travelled from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Togo after being recruited through online advertisements promising admission into a foreign institution.
Investigators disclosed that applicants were persuaded to pay admission and processing fees ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million.
Meanwhile, some foreign nationals reportedly paid between $400 and $500 after they were promised international academic opportunities.
However, authorities soon uncovered another disturbing aspect of the operation.
According to investigators, participants were allegedly required to recruit additional students after securing admission.
Those who introduced new applicants were reportedly promised commissions, creating what investigators described as a structure that resembled a Ponzi or chain-marketing scheme.
One of the rescued victims reportedly informed investigators that after paying $400, he convinced his brother in Kogi State to join the programme.
The victim also admitted that he had already begun receiving referral commissions for bringing in another participant.
Moreover, investigators discovered that some participants allegedly promoted unidentified products online while earning percentages from both product sales and successful recruitments.
The findings have raised concerns that the operation extended beyond fake admissions into a broader financial recruitment scheme.
Expressing concern over the situation, Ekunola said many parents had no idea why their children travelled to Badagry.
He stated:
“We have started contacting their families. One parent told us her child informed the family that he came to Badagry to learn a trade, not to attend a university. That shows many of these parents were completely unaware.”
Furthermore, he explained that all the rescued youths would be profiled before being reunited with their families after investigations are completed.
The commander also assured that anyone found responsible for operating the alleged institution would face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
Meanwhile, investigations have been expanded to uncover every individual connected to the operation.
