Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued three individuals who were kidnapped along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Ibeju-Lekki. The victims—Umezulike Joseph, Eze Theodorah, and Rosemary Ogwulu—were taken by unknown gunmen on March 7, 2025, but were freed less than 24 hours later due to swift police intervention.
According to intelligence sources, the police received a distress call soon after the abduction occurred. Acting on this, the command deployed six special tactical squads from the Anti and Counter-Kidnapping Unit to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims. The well-coordinated operation put the criminals under intense pressure, forcing them to abandon their captives in a forested area along the expressway.
Upon their rescue, the victims were found to be visibly shaken but physically unharmed. They were immediately given medical attention before being reunited with their families. Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
Rising Cases of Kidnapping in Lagos
The successful rescue operation comes at a time when cases of kidnapping for ransom are on the rise in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. In recent years, criminal gangs have been targeting residents, business owners, and travelers, forcing authorities to intensify security efforts.
Lekki-Epe Expressway, where the latest abduction took place, has been identified as one of the areas prone to security threats. This major highway connects Lagos with Ogun and Ondo states, making it an attractive target for criminals who take advantage of its long stretches of undeveloped land and forests to hide their victims.
In response, the Lagos State Government and security agencies have been working to improve surveillance and law enforcement in the region. Patrol teams, security checkpoints, and intelligence-gathering measures have been strengthened to combat the menace of kidnapping.
How Police Tracked the Kidnappers
Security sources revealed that the rescue operation was carried out through a combination of technology and field intelligence. Upon receiving the alert, officers from the Anti and Counter-Kidnapping Unit analyzed phone signals and gathered information from eyewitnesses who saw the kidnappers’ vehicle. This helped them narrow down possible locations where the victims were being held.
As the police teams advanced into the suspected areas, the kidnappers became aware of their presence and decided to abandon the victims deep in the forest. The tactical squads eventually found the captives, who were crying for help. They were brought to safety and given medical care before being taken home.
Lagos Police Warn Criminals
Following the successful rescue, the Lagos State Police Command has issued a warning to criminals operating in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fashola, commended the officers involved in the operation and assured Lagos residents that the force would not relent in its efforts to make the state safe.
“This rescue mission is a clear message to kidnappers and other criminals that Lagos will not be a safe haven for their activities. Our tactical squads are on high alert, and we will continue to go after those threatening the security of the people,” he said.
Fashola also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies. He emphasized the need for collaboration between residents and law enforcement, noting that intelligence from the public is key to preventing crimes before they occur.
Families of Victims Express Relief
The families of the rescued individuals have expressed deep gratitude to the police for their swift response. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Chinedu Joseph, the elder brother of Umezulike Joseph, described the past 24 hours as the most terrifying moment of their lives.
“We were in shock when we received the news that my brother had been kidnapped. We feared the worst, but we prayed and hoped that he would come back safe. Thankfully, the police acted fast, and now he is home,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Amaka Eze, a relative of Theodorah, said the family had been traumatized but was relieved that the incident did not end in tragedy.
“We know many families who have lost their loved ones to kidnappers, so we are grateful that the police rescued them on time,” she said.
Calls for Stronger Security Measures
While the successful rescue is a victory for law enforcement, many Lagos residents believe that more needs to be done to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. Security experts have called for increased police presence on highways and the use of advanced surveillance technology to detect criminal activities early.
Human rights activist and security analyst, Dr. Olufemi Ajayi, stated that kidnappings have become too frequent and must be tackled with stronger policies.
“The police did a commendable job in rescuing these victims, but we must ask ourselves why these criminals still have the confidence to operate. We need more community policing, improved intelligence gathering, and better coordination between the police and local vigilante groups,” he said.
Some residents have also urged the government to install more streetlights and security cameras along major roads, especially in isolated areas where kidnappers take advantage of darkness to strike.
Government’s Efforts to Combat Kidnapping
In recent months, the Lagos State Government has been working with security agencies to strengthen crime-fighting strategies. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has repeatedly stressed the need for improved security infrastructure and has approved funds for the acquisition of patrol vehicles, drones, and other surveillance tools.
Last year, the government launched the Lagos Security Trust Fund (LSTF), aimed at providing financial support for police operations. In addition, local vigilante groups and neighborhood watch programs have been incorporated into the security network to enhance intelligence gathering.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has also taken steps to curb the growing kidnapping crisis in the country. The Nigerian Police Force recently announced plans to recruit more officers and improve training programs for its anti-kidnapping units. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has vowed to ensure that security agencies remain proactive in preventing abductions and arresting those responsible.
Hope for a Safer Lagos
Despite the security challenges facing Lagos, many believe that with continuous efforts from the police, government, and residents, the situation can be brought under control. The recent rescue of the three kidnap victims has restored hope that the fight against crime is yielding results.
For now, the police remain on the trail of the fleeing suspects. Authorities have urged anyone with useful information about the kidnappers to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
As Lagos continues to grow as a major commercial hub, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors remains a top priority for security forces. While the battle against kidnapping is far from over, successful operations like this provide reassurance that criminals will not go unpunished.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities as part of collective efforts to make Lagos a safer place for all.
