The Ogun State Police Command in Nigeria has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals who were allegedly held against their will in Sagamu after being lured to the country with false promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.
The victims, seven men and four women, were freed by officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit after police received actionable intelligence on 19 October 2026.
The command confirmed the rescue in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oluseyi Babaseyi.
“Acting on actionable intelligence received on 19 October 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately mobilized to the identified hideout and safely rescued all 11 victims,” the statement said.
Initial investigations indicate that the group was deceived by another Ghanaian national who claimed to be able to arrange overseas travel for them.
Police said each victim reportedly paid GH¢40,000 before travelling to Nigeria, where they were subsequently held against their will.
The victims are now receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives work to identify and arrest everyone linked to the alleged criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bode Ojajuni, praised the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for what he described as its prompt response and professional handling of the operation.
He said the command remained committed to protecting lives, tackling transnational crime and ensuring Ogun State did not become a safe location for criminals who prey on unsuspecting people.
“There is no safe haven for criminals who exploit the hopes of others,” Mr. Ojajuni said.
He also assured the public that police operations would continue until all those responsible were brought to justice.
The Ogun State Police Command advised people to carry out thorough checks on overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making financial payments.
It also urged members of the public to report suspicious activity without delay.
The command said it would continue to rely on intelligence-led policing, effective co-operation between agencies and decisive action against criminal networks.
“For the command, every credible lead matters, every life matters, and protecting the public remains paramount,” the statement concluded.
