The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has exposed an alleged fake university operation in Lagos State, recovering 106 youths who were reportedly enrolled in the scheme.
The operation was carried out by the NSCDC Badagry Area Command following days of intelligence gathering and surveillance, leading to the arrest of the suspected operator of the institution, which was allegedly operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
The suspect is accused of luring young Nigerians and citizens from neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.
Speaking on the development, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the discovery followed a coordinated intelligence operation.
“The operation was a result of intelligence gathering and surveillance carried out by the command. We discovered that the institution had no official name, registration, signboard or recognised campus, yet it was presenting itself online as a distance-learning centre affiliated with a foreign university.”
Ekunola said investigations revealed that many of the youths involved were recruited through online platforms.
“Most of the rescued persons are between the ages of 19 and 24. They came from different parts of Nigeria, including Kogi, Oyo and some northern states, while others came from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Togo.”
The NSCDC disclosed that the youths allegedly paid large sums of money to the operators after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.
Preliminary investigations indicated that some victims allegedly paid between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million in admission and processing fees, while some foreign applicants reportedly paid between $400 and $500.
The corps also alleged that the scheme operated through a recruitment structure where participants were encouraged to bring in more students in exchange for commissions.
“The structure of the operation suggested a system where participants were encouraged to recruit others for financial benefits. Further investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the activities.”
Ekunola said the recovered youths would be profiled before being reunited with their families, adding that those found responsible for operating the alleged illegal institution would be prosecuted.
“Anyone found culpable after investigation will face the full weight of the law. We are also expanding our investigation to identify other persons connected to the operation and to determine if similar activities exist elsewhere.”
The NSCDC urged members of the public to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling or making payments for academic programmes.
The investigation into the alleged fake university operation is ongoing.