The Ogun State Police Command has busted a Cameroonian human trafficking syndicate that specializes in luring and abducting victims under the guise of facilitating foreign visa processing.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, on Friday, the syndicate’s operations were uncovered following a distress call from one of its victims, a Cameroonian woman, who narrowly escaped from captivity.

The woman, the PPRO said, who was deceived into coming to Nigeria on September 29, 2025, said she was lured by a fellow Cameroonian identified as Donald, who promised to help her secure a Canadian visa.

Upon her arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, she was received by members of the supposed “travel agency” and transported to Mowe, Ogun State, where she and her 23-year-old sister were held hostage.

After managing to escape on November 3, 2025, the victim alerted the police, revealing that more individuals were being detained in a two-bedroom apartment in the Pakuro area of Ogun State.

Acting on the report, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Eleweran, launched a swift operation that led to the rescue of Kengne Maeva, another Cameroonian victim, who was found unharmed.

Two suspects, Ndzana Kamga Isidore and Tingue Stephen, were arrested at the scene, while the alleged ringleader, Donald, remains at large.

Preliminary investigation showed that the victims’ relatives in Cameroon had already paid 3,600,000 CFA into a Cameroonian bank account belonging to the fleeing suspect.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered intensified surveillance and monitoring of similar criminal activities within the state.

He also directed tactical commanders to work closely with community leaders and Community Development Association (CDA) chairmen to promptly report any suspicious activities involving foreign nationals renting apartments.

“The Ogun State Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven within the state,” the statement added.