The Ogun State Police Command says it has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.
The victims, comprising seven men and four women, were rescued during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the police said the operation followed actionable intelligence received this month.
“Acting on actionable intelligence received this month, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately mobilised to the identified hideout and safely rescued all eleven victims,” the statement said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a fellow Ghanaian national allegedly deceived the victims by promising to facilitate their overseas travel.
According to the police, each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will.
The command said the rescued victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives intensified efforts to identify and arrest everyone connected with the alleged criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, tackling transnational crime and preventing criminals from exploiting unsuspecting people.
He assured the public that the police would continue their efforts until those responsible 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.
It reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and decisive action against criminal networks.
