Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, rescuing 106 youths during the operation.
The NSCDC also arrested the alleged proprietor, accused of luring prospective students from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.
The Badagry Area Command said the raid followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance, revealing that the institution had no official registration, campus or signboard despite presenting itself online as a foreign-affiliated distance learning centre.
The Badagry Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the suspect was assisting investigators, while the rescued youths had been placed in protective custody pending the outcome of investigations.
According to preliminary findings, most of the victims, aged between 19 and 24, were recruited from states including Kogi, Oyo and several northern states, while others came from Niger, Cameroon and Togo after being contacted through online platforms
Investigators alleged that the victims paid between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million as admission and processing fees, while some foreign nationals reportedly paid between $400 and $500.
The scheme also allegedly encouraged participants to recruit others in return for financial rewards.
The NSCDC said the operation resembled a Ponzi-style recruitment network, with some participants reportedly earning commissions from referrals and online product promotions. One rescued victim allegedly admitted persuading his brother to join after enrolling in the programme.
Ekunola said the corps had begun contacting the families of the rescued youths and would profile them before reunification.
He added that investigations had been expanded to identify other collaborators and dismantle similar illegal operations across the country.
