THE Ogun State Police Command says it has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after they were lured to Nigeria with promises of obtaining Canadian and Spanish visas.
News Point Nigeria reports that the rescue was carried out during a swift, intelligence-led operation, according to a statement issued in Abeokuta, the state capital.
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The statement said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on actionable intelligence received on October 19, 2026, and immediately mobilised to the identified hideout, where they safely rescued all 11 victims, comprising seven males and four females.
“Acting on actionable intelligence received on 19 October 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately mobilised to the identified hideout and safely rescued all eleven victims, comprising seven males and four females,” the statement said.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their overseas travel.
Each of the victims reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their overseas travel. Each reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will,” the statement said.
The police added that the rescued victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives intensified efforts to track down and apprehend all persons connected with the alleged criminal network.
“The rescued victims are receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives intensify efforts to track down and apprehend all persons connected with the alleged criminal network,” the statement added.
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The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism during the operation.
He, however, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to protect lives, combat transnational crime and ensure that Ogun State does not become a haven for criminals who exploit the hopes and trust of unsuspecting people.
Ojajuni assured the public that efforts would continue until those responsible for the alleged crime were brought to justice.
The command also urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“The Command urged the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling criminal networks, the Ogun State Police Command said it remained dedicated to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration and decisive action against criminal activities.
“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration and decisive action against criminal networks,” the statement added.
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The command stressed that every credible lead and every life mattered, reiterating that the protection of the public remained its paramount responsibility.
“For the Command, every credible lead matters, every life matters, and protecting the public remains paramount,” the statement concluded.
