Police Bust Pakistani Kidnap Gang in Lagos, Rescue Victim

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two Pakistani nationals suspected of being part of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state. The suspects, identified as 19-year-old Roman Gull and 28-year-old Aftab Ahmad, were apprehended after a distress call led police to a hotel in Ikeja, where a kidnapped Pakistani man was being held.

According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the victim, a 48-year-old Pakistani, was lured to Lagos from Kano under the false promise of a job as a chef. The suspects arranged his flight and checked him into a hotel on February 28, 2025. The following day, he was overpowered, tied up, and held hostage while his captors demanded a ₦50 million ransom from his employer in Kano. His boss paid ₦1 million to buy time before alerting the police.

Responding to the tip-off, the Ikeja Division’s anti-crime patrol quickly located the kidnappers, rescuing the victim and arresting two suspects while five others escaped. Items recovered from the suspects included a grey Toyota Camry, the victim’s $2,000 cash, three ATM cards, a green card, a driver’s license, and a NIN slip.

Efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the gang, while the rescued victim is reportedly in good condition and has reconnected with his family. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers involved and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to their safety.