The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaians, seven men and four women, who were allegedly held captive in Sagamu. According to police, the victims paid a fellow Ghanaian GH₵40,000 each after he promised to help them secure Canadian and Spanish visas. The victims were then brought to Nigeria and held against their will. The police have not disclosed whether anyone has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The rescue operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who acted on intelligence received on October 19, 2026. The unit mobilized to the suspected hideout and rescued all 11 victims. Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were deceived by a fellow Ghanaian who promised to facilitate their travel abroad. The value of the suspected scheme is estimated to be around ₦50.27 million.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its promptness and professionalism in rescuing the victims. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to combating transnational crime and ensuring that Ogun does not become a haven for criminals who exploit unsuspecting people. The police urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the police.
The incident highlights concerns over migration-related fraud, where people are lured with promises of overseas jobs, visas, or travel opportunities, only to end up in similar or worse conditions. The police did not disclose the identities of the suspects, whether any arrests had been made, or arrangements for the rescued Ghanaians to return home. It is not clear how long the victims were held or where in Sagamu the hideout was located.
The Ogun State Police Command's spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that the victims were rescued on October 20, 2026. He stated that the command would continue to work to bring those responsible to justice. The incident has raised questions about the prevalence of migration-related scams and the need for people to be cautious when seeking travel opportunities.
The Ghanaian authorities have not been notified about the incident, and it is unclear whether they have been informed about the rescued citizens. The police have not provided further details about the suspect who allegedly promised the victims Canadian and Spanish visas in exchange for GH₵40,000 each.
The rescue of the 11 Ghanaians is a significant operation for the Ogun State Police Command, demonstrating their efforts to combat transnational crime. The command's efforts to bring those responsible to justice are ongoing.
Key points
- The Ogun State Police Command rescued 11 Ghanaians who were held captive after paying GH₵40,000 each for Canadian and Spanish visas.
- The victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian who promised to facilitate their travel abroad.
- The incident highlights concerns over migration-related fraud in Nigeria.
