The Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued a 48-year-old Pakistani national, Iftikhar Ahmed, who was abducted by a gang posing as job recruiters. The incident, which has drawn significant attention, highlights the growing need for vigilance against criminal activities targeting unsuspecting individuals.
According to police reports, Ahmed was lured to Lagos from Kano on February 28, 2025, under the pretence of securing a job as a chef. Upon his arrival, the suspects, identified as Roman Gull (19) and Aftab Ahmad (28), lodged him in a hotel. The following day, they overpowered him, tied his hands and legs, and robbed him of $2,000, three ATM cards, a green card, a driver’s license, and his National Identification Number (NIN) slip. The kidnappers then contacted Ahmed’s employer in Kano, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for his release.
The employer initially paid ₦1 million to buy time and subsequently alerted the police. Acting on intelligence, operatives from the Ikeja Police Division raided a location along Awolowo Way on March 5, 2025. Ahmed was rescued unhurt, and two suspects were apprehended, while five others managed to escape. A Toyota Camry with registration number SGD-289-AE (Edo) was recovered from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang specialised in targeting fellow Pakistani nationals, luring them with fake job offers before abducting them for ransom. The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the swift response of the Ikeja Division officers and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Lagos. “This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for individuals to verify job offers and other opportunities thoroughly,” he stated.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal syndicates and the importance of community cooperation in combating crime.
