KEY POINTS

• Police foil ₦20 million ransom attempt in Lagos kidnapping case.

• Officers arrested two suspects and rescued the 14-year-old unharmed.

• The Lagos kidnapping rescue operation shows police’s swift, coordinated response.

Two suspects have been taken into custody by Lagos Police Command operations for allegedly kidnapping a 14-year-old child and demanding a ransom of ₦20 million.

Police foil Lagos kidnapping rescue operation and arrest suspect at ransom point

Speaking to reporters during a press briefing at the command headquarters on Monday, Lagos Police Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrest.

According to Hundeyin, the suspects kidnapped the victim in Lagos’ Olodi-Apapa neighborhood and demanded ₦20 million in exchange for the teen’s release.

He clarified that at precisely 4:50 p.m. on May 1, the boy’s father called the police to report the occurrence.

Officers quickly responded and were sent to the agreed-upon ransom drop-off location at Total Filling Station, Wema Bridge, in the Apapa neighborhood of Lagos.

According to Punch, a 25-year-old suspect was taken into custody by police at the place where he had gone to retrieve the money.

He continued by saying that authorities started looking into the matter right away, which brought them to a hotel in Ajegunle where the group was hiding.

When authorities arrived at the hotel, they located the abducted boy in a room; he was stable and physically undamaged.

After verifying the teen’s identification and condition, the police debriefed him and safely reunited him with his parents.

Hundeyin added that without the required paperwork or suspicion, police detained a 41-year-old hotel manager who was reportedly housing the kidnappers.

The authorities suspect that the hotel manager was aware of the illegal activities but chose not to report it.

The goal of the Lagos Police Command’s ongoing investigation is to find and capture any further culprits in the kidnapping.

Police commend teamwork and public support in Lagos kidnapping rescue operation

The command is still dedicated to combating violent crimes and upholding public safety throughout Lagos State, Hundeyin reassured the people.

He urged citizens to keep reporting suspicious behavior and giving timely information, stating that cooperation promotes efficient city policing.

The statement praised the responding officers’ prompt action, pointing out that the victim was safely rescued as a result of their professionalism.

Hundeyin came to the conclusion that after investigations were finished and all relevant evidence had been obtained and confirmed, the suspects would be prosecuted.