A Major Breakthrough
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two members of a Pakistani criminal gang allegedly specialized in kidnapping people for ransom. The suspects, identified as Roman Gull (19) and Aftab Ahmad (28), were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Command following a distress call about the abduction of a 48-year-old Pakistani national in the Ikeja area.
The arrest highlights the growing threat of transnational criminal activities in Nigeria and the police’s efforts to combat such crimes.
How the Kidnapping Unfolded
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects lured the victim from Kano to Lagos under the pretext of offering him a job as a chef.
The suspects booked the victim’s flight to Lagos and lodged him in a hotel on February 28, 2025.
The next day, the gang of seven overpowered the victim, tied his hands and legs, and demanded a N50 million ransom from his boss in Kano.
The boss initially paid N1 million to buy time and later alerted the police, leading to the rescue of the victim and the arrest of two suspects.
Police Response and Arrest
Upon receiving the distress call, the Ikeja Division’s anti-crime patrol team swiftly deployed to the scene, rescuing the victim and apprehending the two suspects. However, five other members of the gang managed to escape.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and are conducting further investigations to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations.
A Growing Threat: Transnational Kidnapping
The arrest of the Pakistani gang underscores the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activities in Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative enterprise for criminal networks, with both local and international actors exploiting vulnerabilities in the system.
This case also highlights the need for enhanced international cooperation to tackle cross-border crimes and protect citizens from such threats.
A Call for Vigilance
The Nigeria Police’s swift action in this case is commendable, but it also serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by kidnapping gangs. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
As investigations continue, the police are expected to intensify efforts to dismantle such criminal networks and ensure the safety and security of all residents.