Lagos Police rescue kidnapped victims, Nab 26 foreign nationals, intervene in a deadly cult clash
The Lagos State Police Command has demonstrated its commitment to combating crime with a series of successful operations, including the rescue of four kidnapped victims, the arrest of 26 foreign nationals involved in kidnapping, and a swift response to a deadly cult clash in the state, PRNigeria reports.
In a swift and coordinated operation on March 7, 2025, police operatives rescued three kidnapped victims—Umezulike Joseph, Eze Theodorah, and Rosemary Ogwulu—less than 24 hours after their abduction along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Ibeju-Lekki. Upon receiving a distress call, six special tactical squads from the Anti and Counter Kidnapping Unit were deployed to the area.
Zagazola reports that the intense pressure from the advancing police teams forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives deep within a forested region along the expressway. The victims, visibly traumatized, were promptly provided with medical attention and reunited with their families. The police have launched an investigation to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure they face justice.
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In a separate operation, the Lagos Police arrested 26 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of a 30-year-old Ghanaian woman, Rigana Asuma, in the Isheri Osun area. The police received a distress call at about 9:00 p.m. on March 7, 2025, and a joint team of conventional officers and tactical squads swiftly raided a building at No. 21 Yemi Ogunleye Street, Isheri Osun, rescuing the victim and arresting 26 suspects, including 18 males and 8 females. The suspects, from Ghana, Benin Republic, and Togo, include individuals such as Tosin Janita (22), Queen Akama (29), and Susan Alopoti (22). During the raid, police recovered several incriminating items. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the foreign criminal network and determine the full extent of their operations.
Meanwhile, a suspected cult-related attack in the Ijanikin area turned deadly in the early hours of March 7, 2025. At about 2:00 a.m., a group of unidentified men in an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus, believed to be cultists, engaged in a violent altercation with youths allegedly extorting money from truck drivers at Abule Roundabout. The confrontation escalated, and the assailants opened fire, killing one person and injuring two others before fleeing the scene. Police officers from the Ijanikin Division responded swiftly, finding the lifeless body of Lawal Dauda and rushing the injured victims to the hospital. The deceased’s body has been deposited at a public morgue for autopsy, while the police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and security, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
Figures:
– Kidnapped Victims Rescued: 4
– Foreign Nationals Arrested: 26 (18 males, 8 females)
– Nationalities of Arrested Suspects: Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo
– Cult Clash Casualties: 1 dead, 2 injured
– Recovered Items: Incriminating evidence from kidnapping hideout
– Police Units Deployed: 6 tactical squads (Anti and Counter Kidnapping Unit), joint conventional and tactical teams
By PRNigeria
