The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after they were lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to the statement, the victims, comprising seven males and four females, were rescued by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following actionable intelligence received on October 19, 2026.
“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,” the statement said.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated 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 added.
The command said the victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives intensified efforts to track down and apprehend those connected with the alleged criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s resolve to protect lives, combat transnational crime and prevent Ogun State from becoming a haven for criminals who exploit unsuspecting people.
The statement quoted the commissioner as saying, “No safe haven for criminals who exploit the hopes of others.”
He also assured the public that efforts would continue until those responsible were 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.
It further reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration and decisive action against criminal networks.
“For the Command, every credible lead matters, every life matters, and protecting the public remains paramount,” the statement said.