A late night operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered a suspected human trafficking ring in the Badagry area of Lagos State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of vulnerable women and children targeted through online deception.

The Lagos State Command of the NSCDC said its operatives stormed a building in the Okuju area of Olorunda between April 15 and 16, following weeks of intelligence gathering. The raid, officials say, was part of a broader directive to deploy technology-driven surveillance to tackle organised crime across the state.

According to the command, the facility was allegedly being used to harbour pregnant women who were recruited through a Facebook account and persuaded to give up their babies after delivery for sums ranging from N500,000 to N1 million. Two suspects were arrested at the scene during the overnight operation.

In total, 28 individuals were rescued, including 17 heavily pregnant women, 10 children, and one adult male. Authorities disclosed that the victims were found in poor living conditions, with preliminary findings indicating that at least one of the women lost her pregnancy due to the environment she was subjected to.

Items recovered from the premises included household equipment and mobile phones believed to have been used to coordinate the operation. Officials say the case highlights how criminal networks are increasingly using digital platforms to lure victims into exploitation.

The NSCDC has since transferred the suspects and rescued individuals to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and support services. The agency says efforts are underway to prosecute those responsible, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups online.