Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Epe Command, have arrested a suspected kidnapper who allegedly disguised as a mentally ill person to avoid detection.

The suspect, identified as Mr. Godwin, a native of Ughelli Local Government Area in Delta State, had been under surveillance for over a month following intelligence reports and complaints from local residents.

Community members raised suspicions after observing the suspect engaging in unusual behaviour, including making late-night phone calls and changing clothes discreetly each morning. He was frequently seen taking shelter in an abandoned security post along Lagos Road, near the T-junction.

On May 5, during a routine patrol, residents alerted officers that the suspect had temporarily left the area. Acting swiftly, the LNSC operatives searched the abandoned building and discovered 27 registered SIM cards hidden inside a section of a block wall.

Mr. Godwin was apprehended shortly after he returned to the location. During initial interrogation, he confirmed his identity and background but refused to disclose the whereabouts of any mobile phones associated with the SIM cards.

A local food vendor confirmed residents’ concerns, stating that although the suspect lived like a mentally unstable person, he often appeared mentally sound during interactions.

The suspect is currently in custody as further investigations are ongoing.