By Parrot Newspaper 
Police Rescue 27 Kidnapped Foreigners in Lagos Apartment
By Parrot Newspaper
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have rescued 27 foreigners who were allegedly held against their will in an apartment in the Isheri Oshun area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, revealing that a distress call from one of the victims led to their rescue.
According to Hundeyin, the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) received a call from a female victim who reported that she and others were confined in an apartment and were not allowed to leave. Acting swiftly, the CRU contacted the Divisional Police Officer of the area, who mobilized a rescue operation.
Upon breaking into the apartment, the police discovered 27 foreign nationals—18 males and nine females. The victims, who are primarily from Ghana and the Republic of Benin, were reportedly lured to Nigeria under false pretenses of employment opportunities.
“We are currently investigating whether Lagos was their intended final destination or if they were being trafficked to another country,” Hundeyin stated, adding that all rescued individuals are now in safe custody.
Trafficking Syndicates Under Scrutiny
Human trafficking remains a growing concern in Nigeria, with victims often deceived with promises of better opportunities. Authorities are now working to determine whether this case is linked to a larger syndicate operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Another Kidnapping: Couple Arrested for Abducting Online Vendor
In a separate incident, the Lagos police also arrested a couple for allegedly kidnapping an online vendor who had gone to deliver a product in the Iyana Ishashi area.
According to Hundeyin, the victim reported that she was forcibly dragged inside an apartment by a man and a woman—later identified as Emmanuel and Mazioma Okafor—after arriving for a delivery.
The suspects allegedly stripped her naked, assaulted her, and took explicit photos. They then demanded a ransom of ₦2 million, threatening to release the images if she failed to comply. The victim managed to pay ₦300,000 and was released but was warned to pay the balance.
Following her report to the police, an immediate investigation led to the arrest of the suspects.
Police Warn Against Rising Kidnapping Threats
These incidents highlight the increasing cases of abduction in Lagos, with criminals exploiting various tactics to lure victims. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant, verify job offers before traveling, and exercise caution when making online transactions or deliveries.
Authorities have assured that investigations into both cases will continue, with efforts underway to dismantle criminal networks operating in the state.
Police Rescue 27 Kidnapped Foreigners in Lagos Apartment