NSCDC uncovers ‘university’ operating from 3-bedroom apartment in Lagos, rescues 106 [PHOTOS]

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have uncovered a suspected fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 106 youths allegedly lured into the scheme.

The operation, carried out by the NSCDC’s Badagry Area Command, also led to the arrest of the alleged proprietor, who is accused of recruiting young people from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.

The raid followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance by security operatives, who discovered that the institution was operating from a residential apartment without an official name, registration, signboard or recognised campus.

Investigators said the rescued youths, most of whom are between the ages of 19 and 24, had travelled from several Nigerian states as well as neighbouring countries, believing they had secured admission into a legitimate foreign-affiliated institution.

Preliminary investigations revealed that victims allegedly paid admission and processing fees ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals reportedly paid between $400 and $500.

The investigation further uncovered an alleged referral system in which participants were encouraged to recruit additional students in exchange for financial commissions, with authorities describing the arrangement as resembling a Ponzi-style scheme.

Security officials also alleged that some participants were engaged in promoting unidentified products online while earning commissions from product sales and recruitment.

The rescued youths have been taken into protective custody for profiling and further investigation before being reunited with their families, while the arrested proprietor remains in custody as investigations continue.

The NSCDC said it has expanded its investigation to identify other individuals connected to the operation and determine whether similar schemes are operating in other parts of the country.