The Lagos State Police Command has rescued 27 foreigners who were allegedly kidnapped and kept in an apartment in the Isheri Oshun area of the state. The victims, who include Ghanaians and citizens of the Republic of Benin, were reportedly lured into Nigeria with false promises of job opportunities.
The state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed this during a press briefing on Monday. According to him, the rescue operation began after one of the victims managed to contact the police through the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), reporting that she and others had been confined against their will.
“Somebody reached out to the Complaint Response Unit of the Lagos Police Command and complained that she had been kidnapped in an apartment and was not allowed to leave. The CRU contacted the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, who immediately mobilized officers to the location,” Hundeyin stated.
Upon arrival, police officers forcefully entered the apartment and found 27 foreign nationals inside. The group consisted of 18 males and nine females. Some of them were said to be in distress, as they had been deceived into believing they were coming to Nigeria for job opportunities but were instead held against their will.
Hundeyin further stated that preliminary investigations indicated the victims may have been targets of human trafficking, though authorities are still working to determine whether Lagos was their final destination or if they were meant to be transported to another country.
“We are currently investigating whether Lagos was their final stop or if they were being trafficked elsewhere. However, they are now safe and in police custody while investigations continue,” he said.
Growing Concerns Over Human Trafficking in Nigeria
This incident brings attention to the growing problem of human trafficking and deception used to lure unsuspecting individuals into dangerous situations. Many people from neighboring countries, as well as within Nigeria, have fallen victim to false job offers, only to find themselves in conditions of forced labor, sexual exploitation, or criminal activities.
Authorities believe that human traffickers operate in various ways, often targeting unemployed individuals in search of better opportunities. Victims are promised well-paying jobs but are later subjected to abuse, confinement, or coerced labor. In many cases, traffickers confiscate victims’ travel documents, making escape difficult.
Nigeria has been a key player in regional efforts to combat human trafficking. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has recorded multiple cases of trafficking, with many victims coming from West African countries. The agency has worked with international organizations to strengthen measures against human trafficking, including awareness campaigns, border monitoring, and the rescue of victims.
Another Kidnapping Case: Online Vendor Abducted
In a separate but related incident, police in Lagos arrested a couple accused of kidnapping an online vendor who had gone to deliver a product in the Iyana Ishashi area. The victim had received an order for an item and proceeded to the supposed customer’s residence, only to be forcibly dragged inside the house by a man and a woman.
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as Emmanuel and Mazioma Okafor. He explained that the victim was stripped naked and assaulted before the suspects took nude photos of her and demanded a ransom of N2 million. They allegedly threatened to release the photos if she failed to pay.
“She managed to pay N300,000 that day, which allowed her to regain her freedom. However, she was warned that if she did not pay the remaining amount, her pictures would be leaked online,” Hundeyin said.
Following her release, the victim reported the incident to the police, prompting an immediate investigation. The suspects were eventually tracked and arrested.
Rising Cases of Kidnappings in Lagos
The recent cases have raised concerns over the growing number of kidnappings in Lagos, where criminals take advantage of unsuspecting victims. The metropolitan nature of the state makes it a hub for both legal and illegal economic activities, and criminals have increasingly exploited the high population density.
Many kidnapping cases involve ransom demands, while others are linked to human trafficking. The police have continuously urged the public to be cautious, especially when dealing with online transactions or job offers that seem too good to be true.
Security Measures and Police Efforts
The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents that it is intensifying efforts to curb kidnappings and human trafficking. Hundeyin reiterated that the police will continue to work round the clock to track criminal networks and prevent further incidents.
“We encourage people to report suspicious activities. Many victims suffer in silence, either because they are afraid or because they do not know where to seek help. The police and other security agencies are ready to respond swiftly to any distress calls,” he said.
The police have also advised citizens and foreigners in Lagos to be cautious when accepting job offers, especially those that require relocation or travel to unfamiliar places. Additionally, online vendors and business owners have been urged to verify the identity of customers before making deliveries, particularly in isolated locations.
The Role of the Public in Crime Prevention
While security agencies continue their efforts, experts say the public also has a role to play in preventing crimes. Community policing, neighborhood watch groups, and timely reporting of suspicious activities can help curb kidnappings and human trafficking.
There have been calls for increased public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of falling for fake job opportunities. The government and private organizations have been urged to create more job opportunities to reduce the desperation that makes people vulnerable to such scams.
Moreover, cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and neighboring countries could help prevent cross-border trafficking. Regional partnerships and intelligence sharing are critical in identifying and dismantling criminal networks involved in human trafficking.
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