The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 26 foreign nationals following an investigation into a reported kidnapping case that authorities say was fabricated.According to police findings, those detained include 19 citizens of Chad and seven nationals of Cameroon.
The investigation began after a 22-year-old Cameroonian woman reported that she had been kidnapped after arriving in Nigeria to meet a Chadian man she had been communicating with online.
Police sources said the woman allegedly made the report after discovering that the man, whom she intended to meet, was married. The complaint prompted an immediate rescue operation by security operatives, who initially treated the case as a genuine kidnapping incident.
Due to language barriers, investigators reportedly faced challenges communicating with the complainant, leading authorities to proceed cautiously while examining the claims.As the investigation progressed, officers traced the location where the woman claimed she was being held captive.
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Upon arrival, they discovered an apartment occupied by several foreign nationals, leading to the arrest of 26 individuals, including four women aged between 19 and 50.The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, subsequently directed that the case be transferred from Area N Command in Ijede, Ikorodu, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba for further investigation.
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the arrested individuals claimed to be involved in a networking business linked to a company known as Ignite.
However, police sources disclosed that several of those apprehended were unable to provide valid travel documents, while others were suspected of entering Nigeria through unauthorized routes.
Authorities have commenced profiling and immigration checks to determine the legal status of the suspects and whether any immigration regulations were violated.
The case is currently being handled by the Diplomatic and Foreigners Desk of the SCID under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo Akinbisehin.Police authorities stated that investigations remain ongoing and assured the public that appropriate action would be taken once inquiries are concluded.
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