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Ogun Police Rescues 11 Ghanaians Allegedly Held Hostage Over Fake Canadian, Spanish Visa Promises
Ogun Police Rescues 11 Ghanaians Allegedly Held Hostage Over Fake Canadian, Spanish Visa Promises
The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after they were reportedly lured to Nigeria with promises of securing Canadian and Spanish visas in a suspected transnational human trafficking and fraud scheme.
The successful rescue operation, described as swift and intelligence-driven, followed actionable intelligence received by the police on October 19, 2026, prompting operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to immediately mobilise to the identified hideout, where all 11 victims were safely recovered.
The rescued victims comprise seven males and four females, who were allegedly deceived into travelling to Nigeria by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their overseas migration.
Preliminary investigations revealed that each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 in anticipation of securing travel opportunities to Canada and Spain. However, rather than receiving the promised assistance, they were allegedly brought to Nigeria and held against their will in Sagamu.
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Following their rescue, the victims are receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives have intensified investigations to identify, track down and apprehend all individuals connected to the suspected criminal network.
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The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response, professionalism and effective handling of the operation.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s determination to protect lives, combat transnational criminal activities and prevent Ogun State from becoming a safe haven for individuals who exploit the hopes, trust and vulnerability of unsuspecting people.
He assured residents and members of the public that the police would sustain efforts to ensure that everyone found culpable in the alleged crime is brought to justice.
The Command also cautioned members of the public against falling victim to fraudulent overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements, urging prospective travellers to thoroughly verify the authenticity of travel agents, migration facilitators and visa offers before making payments.
It further encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities that could assist security agencies in identifying and dismantling criminal networks.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration and decisive action against criminal elements, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost responsibility.
The development underscores the dangers associated with unverified migration offers, particularly schemes that prey on the aspirations of individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
The statement was signed by DSP Oluseyi B. Babas e yi, anipr, Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
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