Suspected Chadian, Sudanese K!dnappers Arrested In Ikorodu, Handed Over To Police

Suspected Chadian, Sudanese Kidnappers Arrested In Ikorodu, Handed Over To Police

A viral video circulating on social media has captured the moment vigilant residents of the Igbopa community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, apprehended nine foreign nationals suspected of being part of a kidnapping syndicate and handed them over to the police. The suspects, identified as nationals of Chad and Sudan, were reportedly found hiding in a residential building in the area, raising fresh concerns over the influx of foreign criminal elements into Nigeria’s commercial capital.

According to multiple reports, the incident occurred on Sunday, June 7, 2026, when community members spotted the suspects in a self‑contained apartment in the Abule‑Eko/Igbopa area of Ijede, Ikorodu. A team of police officers was swiftly deployed to the location at about 2:12 p.m., leading to the arrest of nine individuals. The suspects were identified as Abubakar Ishe (23), Abdulrazak Adamu (21), Adamu Adamu (23), Dasi Hamma (24), Oseni Sulagan (24), Michael Nabia (22), Abubakar Chuku (30), Ahmed Yusuf (23) and Yusuf Saad (22).

An eyewitness who spoke to Nairaland claimed that the suspects initially told interrogators they were in Nigeria for “Network Marketing”. However, when their mobile phones were searched, incriminating evidence was reportedly discovered, including photographs of one of the suspects loading an AK‑47 rifle with bullets. Transaction records showing payments of ₦10 million, ₦5 million and ₦3 million were also found on their devices, suggesting possible links to ransom proceeds from kidnapping operations. Items recovered from the building included 10 Android phones and iPhones, multiple SIM cards, transaction documents, a copy of the Holy Qur’an and some charms.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians praising the vigilance of the Igbopa community and demanding that security agencies conduct a thorough investigation. Some residents, however, expressed distrust in the police, fearing that the suspects might be released without facing justice. The Lagos State Police Command has since confirmed the arrest and said the suspects are currently undergoing profiling, while investigations have commenced to determine their mission in the area and possible security implications.

This arrest comes barely a week after the Lagos State Police Command apprehended 25 foreign nationals, comprising 19 Chadians and six Cameroonians, in the Ikorodu area over illegal entry into the country. It also follows the arrest of 20 foreign nationals by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State in April 2026, including 12 from Sudan and six from Chad.

The growing number of foreign nationals being arrested in connection with kidnapping and other crimes has intensified calls for stronger border control and intelligence‑sharing among security agencies. As investigations continue, the public awaits further updates on whether the nine suspects will be charged to court.