Why It Matters:
Armed banditry, ransom kidnappings, and the shadow of Boko Haram terrorism remain critical challenges to Nigeria’s national security, directly impacting citizens through loss of lives, and properties, and widespread displacements.
The Big Picture:
The incident unfolded after a distress call on March 5 alerted police to the kidnapping of a Pakistani national in the Ikeja area.
During a rapid rescue mission, authorities detained two of the kidnappers—Roman Gull, 19, and Aftab Ahmad, 28—while five other suspects managed to escape.
The case underscores the persistent threat of cross-border criminal networks and the broader security challenges facing Nigeria.
What he’s saying:
Lagos State Police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the victim’s ordeal began when his flight from Kano to Lagos was booked and he was lodged in a hotel on February 28, 2025.
The following day, seven suspects ambushed him, tied him up, and demanded a ransom of 50 million naira (nearly $34,000) to secure his release.
His employer, in a bid to stall the kidnappers, paid 1 million naira three days later, which ultimately triggered the police intervention.
Go Deeper:
Chief Superintendent Hundeyin confirmed that the police are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining five suspects and proceed with legal action.
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Hossein Vaez
