Police Rescue Pakistani Kidnap Victim in Lagos, Arrest Two Suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force in has rescued a 48-year-old Pakistani national, Iftikhar Ahmed, who was allegedly kidnapped by his compatriots after being lured to Lagos under false pretenses.
Intelligence sources revealed to Zagazola Malala that Ahmed was invited to Lagos from Kano by seven Pakistani nationals under the pretext of securing a job for him as a chef.
“The victim arrived in Lagos on Feb. 28 and was received at the airport by the suspects. However, on March 1, they visited his lodge, overpowered him, tied his hands and legs, and robbed him of 2,000 dollars, three ATM cards (UBA, Access, and Unity Banks), a green card, a driver’s license, and his National Identification Number (NIN) slip,” the source said.
The kidnappers reportedly contacted Ahmed’s employer in Kano and demanded a ₦50 million ransom. The employer was said to have paid ₦1 million before the police intervened.
The sources said operatives from Ikeja Division, in collaboration with other units, stormed a location along Awolowo Way, Ikeja, following intelligence received at about 7:10 p.m. on March 5.
“The victim was rescued unhurt, and two of the suspects Roman Gull, 19, and Aftab Ahmad, 28 were arrested. Five others managed to escape,” Hundeyin stated. A Toyota Camry with registration number SGD-289-AE (Edo) was recovered from the suspects, while efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplices.
The sources said that preliminary investigations suggest the gang had been operating under the guise of assisting Pakistani nationals seeking employment in Nigeria.
“The suspects targeted their own countrymen, luring them with job offers before abducting them for ransom,” the source disclosed.
The sources assured that a discreet investigation was ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover any potential accomplices.
