The Ogun State Police Command in Nigeria has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held against their will in Sagamu after being lured to the country with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.
The victims, comprising seven males and four females, were rescued by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence received on Monday, October 19, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the operation was carried out after the police received credible information about the victims’ alleged confinement.
“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.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the victims had been deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel to Canada and Spain.
According to the police, each victim allegedly paid GH¢40,000 before being taken to Nigeria, where they were subsequently held against their will.
The command said the rescued Ghanaians were receiving appropriate care and support as investigations continued.
Detectives are intensifying efforts to identify, track down and apprehend other individuals suspected of being involved in the alleged criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its swift response and professionalism in securing the victims’ release.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives, combating transnational crime and preventing Ogun State from becoming a safe haven for criminals who exploit unsuspecting members of the public.
“No safe haven for criminals who exploit the hopes of others,” Mr Ojajuni said, assuring the public that efforts would continue until those responsible were brought to justice.
The police have urged members of the public to thoroughly verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments. They also encouraged people to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The command further reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led policing, 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 added.
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