Eleven Ghanaian nationals have been rescued from captivity in the Sagamu area of Ogun State by the police after allegedly being lured to Nigeria with promises of obtaining Canadian and Spanish visas.
Operatives of the state police command carried out the rescue following intelligence received by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which identified the hideout.
The victims, who were safely rescued, included seven males and four females, according to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
Babaseyi said preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel abroad.
The PPRO revealed that each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will.
He said the rescued victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives intensified efforts to track down and apprehend all those connected with the alleged criminal network.
Babaseyi said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for their prompt response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, combating transnational crime and ensuring that Ogun State did not become a haven for criminals who exploit the hopes and trust of unsuspecting people.
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.
