The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held against their will in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.
The victims, comprising seven males and four females, were rescued in an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The operation followed actionable intelligence received on October 19, 2026, prompting the operatives to mobilise to the suspected hideout, where they successfully rescued all 11 victims.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said preliminary investigations indicated that the victims had allegedly been deceived by a fellow Ghanaian, who promised to facilitate their travel abroad.
According to him, each victim reportedly paid GH40,000 before being brought to Nigeria, where they were allegedly held against their will.
Babaseyi said the rescued victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives had intensified efforts to track down and arrest all those connected with the alleged criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s determination to protect lives, combat transnational crime and prevent Ogun State from becoming a haven for criminals who exploit the hopes and trust of unsuspecting people.
He assured the public that efforts would continue until those responsible for the alleged crime were apprehended and brought to justice.
The command urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the police.
It reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration and decisive action against criminal networks, stressing that the protection of lives and property remained its priority.