Ogun State Police dismantle a Cameroonian kidnap ring luring victims with fake visa offers, arresting two suspects as the ringleader remains at large
Ogun State Police has dismantled a notorious syndicate of Cameroonian nationals accused of luring unsuspecting victims into Nigeria under the false promise of visa processing before holding them hostage for ransom.
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The state command confirmed on Friday that two suspects — Ndzana Kamga Isidore and Tingue Stephen — were apprehended during a tactical raid on the group’s hideout in Mowe, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The alleged ringleader, identified only as Donald, remains at large.
According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims’ relatives in Cameroon had already transferred a ransom of 3.6 million CFA into Donald’s bank account.
Odutola explained that the operation was triggered after a distress call from a Cameroonian woman, Kengne Maeva, who escaped captivity and alerted authorities.
Maeva said she had been deceived by Donald, who promised to process a Canadian visa for her and her younger sister.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the victims were taken to Mowe, Ogun State, where they were detained in a two-bedroom flat.
Following the report, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the location, rescuing the victims unharmed and arresting two suspects. The police say efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing ringleader.
Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has since directed all tactical commanders to intensify surveillance, particularly in communities where foreign nationals rent apartments.
He urged residents and Community Development Associations to promptly report suspicious activity.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no criminal element finds refuge within Ogun State, pledging continuous collaboration with border security and community stakeholders.
The development comes amid rising cross-border human trafficking incidents, echoing recent cases such as the rescue of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl trafficked to Ghana under similar pretences.
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The Ogun State Police described the latest operation as a decisive move in its unrelenting drive to protect lives, uphold the rule of law, and restore public confidence across the state.
