The Ogun State Police Command has smashed a notorious Cameroonian kidnap syndicate that lured unsuspecting victims into Nigeria under the guise of processing foreign visas.
The anti-kidnapping unit of the command arrested two members of the gang, identified as Ndzana Kamga Isidore and Tingue Stephen, during a sting operation in the Mowe area along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday, saying the gang’s leader, identified simply as Donald, is currently on the run.
Odutola explained that the operation followed a distress call from a Cameroonian woman, Kengne Maeva, who was tricked into Nigeria on September 29, 2025, under the pretext of visa processing.
“The complainant, a Cameroonian national, was lured into Nigeria by a man identified as Donald, who claimed he could help her secure a Canadian visa,” Odutola said. “However, upon her arrival, she and her 23-year-old sister were held hostage in a two-bedroom apartment in Pakuro, Ogun State.”
According to the police, Maeva’s family in Cameroon had already paid 3.6 million CFA francs (approximately ₦7.8 million) as ransom into Donald’s account before she managed to escape captivity on November 3 and reported to the police.
Acting swiftly, detectives from the anti-kidnapping unit raided the hideout and arrested two suspects while other victims still in captivity were freed.
“On receiving the information, the police stormed the apartment and rescued the remaining victims,” Odutola added. “The two suspects arrested are assisting in ongoing investigations, while efforts are in top gear to track the fleeing leader.”
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, described the incident as a wake-up call to residents and landlords to be vigilant about foreigners renting apartments in their neighbourhoods.
He directed tactical commanders across the state to strengthen surveillance and collaborate with community leaders to expose suspicious individuals or activities, particularly in border and rural areas.
“We will not allow criminal elements — whether local or foreign — to turn Ogun into a safe haven,” Ogunlowo warned. “Our commitment to safeguarding lives and property remains absolute.”
The police advised members of the public, especially those seeking travel or visa opportunities, to verify agencies through official channels before making financial commitments.
Meanwhile, the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to uncover the full network of the transnational criminal group.
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