NSCDC Uncovers Fake University Operating From Three-Bedroom Apartment, Rescues 106 Youths in ₦1.5m Degree Scam [PHOTOS]

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Area Command, has uncovered a fake distance-learning university operating from a rented apartment in Lagos, rescuing 106 young people allegedly lured with promises of admission into a foreign institution.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday, July 20, 2026, at Ilado in Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Badagry.

According to the NSCDC, the institution had no official name, registration, signboard or physical campus. It allegedly operated online, presenting itself as a distance-learning centre affiliated with an unnamed foreign university.

The Badagry Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the raid followed several days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance.

“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,” Ekunola said.

Victims Recruited From Nigeria and Neighbouring Countries

The NSCDC disclosed that the 106 rescued youths were mostly between the ages of 19 and 24.

According to investigators, the victims were recruited from several Nigerian states, including Kogi and Oyo, as well as neighbouring West African countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Togo.

Authorities alleged that Nigerian victims paid between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million as admission and processing fees, while recruits from neighbouring countries reportedly paid between $400 and $500 under the guise of securing admission into the purported foreign university.

Alleged Pyramid Scheme

Investigators further alleged that the operation functioned like a pyramid or Ponzi-style scheme.

According to the NSCDC, students were promised financial rewards for recruiting new members into the programme.

One victim reportedly paid $400 before recruiting his brother into the scheme and receiving referral commissions in return.

Some of the rescued youths were also allegedly instructed to market unidentified products online in exchange for sales commissions.

Because victims were recruited across international borders through alleged false promises of education and participation in promotional schemes, investigators said the case has raised concerns about possible cross-border human trafficking and network marketing fraud.

Authorities noted that cases involving such elements are often investigated alongside, or transferred to, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) when evidence of trafficking is established.

Parents Unaware of Activities

Chief Superintendent Ekunola said many parents had no knowledge of what their children were actually doing in Badagry.

“One of the parents we contacted said she believed her son had come to Badagry to learn a trade. She had no idea he was involved in this so-called university programme,” he said.

Investigation Continues

The alleged proprietor of the fake institution has been arrested and remains in custody while assisting investigators.

Meanwhile, the 106 rescued youths have been placed in protective custody for profiling and documentation before being reunited with their families.

The NSCDC said investigations have been expanded to identify possible collaborators and uncover similar illegal institutions operating in other parts of the country.

The agency also reminded the public that all degree-awarding institutions in Nigeria must be licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Commission has repeatedly warned Nigerians against enrolling in unaccredited institutions, commonly referred to as degree mills, especially those operating from residential buildings or online platforms without official approval.