The Lagos State Police Command has rescued 27 foreigners who were allegedly trafficked and held hostage in an apartment in the Isheri Oshun area of the state.
Spokesperson of the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, March 10, 2025 said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been lured into the country under the false pretence of securing jobs.
According to the PPRO, a distress call was received by the Complaint Response Unit from one of the victims, who reported that she and others were held against their will and were not allowed to leave the apartment.
Hundeyin added that the Divisional Police Officer in the area was immediately contacted, and efforts were thereafter made to rescue them from the apartment
“Somebody reached out to the Complaint Response Unit of the Lagos Police Command and complained that she had been kidnapped in an apartment and not allowed to leave the apartment. The CRU contacted the Divisional Police Officer covering the area and raced to the place and upon getting to the apartment and breaking into it, a total number of 27 foreigners were found in the apartment.”
The rescued individuals comprised 18 males and nine females, some of whom are Ghanaians and others from the Republic of Benin.
“We are currently investigating whether Lagos was their final destination or if they were being trafficked to another country. However, they are now safe and in our custody,” Hundeyin added.