Ogun State Police Dismantle International Kidnapping Syndicate
The Ogun State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crimes. On Friday, the command announced that its operatives have dismantled a notorious syndicate of Cameroonian nationals involved in luring and kidnapping victims under the guise of visa processing.
During a coordinated raid by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on the syndicate’s hideout in Mowe, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, two suspects — Ndzana Kamga Isidore and Tingue Stephen — were arrested. However, the principal suspect, Donald, remains at large. The operation was triggered after a distress call from a Cameroonian national who had been deceived into coming to Nigeria under false pretenses.
According to the spokesperson for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, the incident began on 29th September 2025 when Kengne Maeva, a Cameroonian national, was promised a Canadian visa by a fellow Cameroonian named Donald ‘M’. She was lured into traveling to Nigeria, where she arrived at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. Upon arrival, she was met by individuals posing as an agency that provided transportation from Lagos to Mowe, Ogun State. There, she and her younger sister, aged 23 years, were held hostage.
On 3rd November 2025, Kengne Maeva managed to escape and reported the situation to the police. She revealed that more victims were being held in a two-bedroom flat in the Pakuro area of Ogun State. Acting on this information, a tactical team from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the hideout, rescuing Kengne Maeva unharmed. Two suspects were arrested at the scene, while the principal suspect, Donald, is still at large.
Preliminary investigations uncovered that victims’ family members in Cameroon had paid a ransom of 3,600,000 CFA into the bank account of the fleeing suspect. This revelation highlights the financial motives behind the crime and the need for increased vigilance among families and communities.
Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered continuous monitoring of similar criminal trends across the state. He directed all tactical commanders to engage with community stakeholders and Community Development Association chairmen, particularly in remote areas, to report suspicious foreign nationals renting apartments directly to the police without delay.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven in the state. This latest operation underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities in combating transnational crimes.
Recent Cases Highlight Persistent Challenges
The recent arrest of Joy Ogbonna in connection with the trafficking of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl from Enugu under the pretext of a cleaning job further illustrates the persistent challenges of human trafficking. The girl was forced into prostitution, and the case came to light after her father reported her disappearance.
Police investigations revealed that Ogbonna allegedly confined the victim, forced her into prostitution, and collected proceeds from the illegal act. The case highlights the need for continued awareness and action against such crimes.
These incidents underscore the ongoing cross-border human trafficking challenges and the critical role of both communities and law enforcement agencies in addressing these issues. Vigilance and cooperation are essential to prevent such crimes and protect vulnerable individuals.