Victims reportedly paid GH¢40,000 each after being promised Canadian and Spanish visas before allegedly being held against their will in Sagamu.
The Ogun State Police Command in Nigeria has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after they were lured to the country with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.
The rescue was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to the statement, the victims, comprising seven males and four females, were rescued by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following actionable intelligence received on October 19.
“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.
Victims allegedly paid GH¢40,000 each
The police said preliminary investigations suggested that the victims had been deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel abroad.
Each victim reportedly paid GH¢40,000 before being taken to Nigeria, where they were allegedly held against their will.
“Each reportedly paid GH¢40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will,” the statement added.
The command said the rescued individuals were receiving appropriate care and support as detectives intensified efforts to identify, track down and apprehend others suspected of involvement in the alleged criminal network.
Police vow to pursue suspects
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism in securing the victims’ release.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, combating transnational crime and preventing Ogun State from becoming a haven for criminals who exploit unsuspecting people.
“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.
Public urged to verify overseas travel offers
The police urged members of the public to verify overseas travel arrangements and visa-processing offers before making payments, while encouraging them to report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The command also reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, effective collaboration among law enforcement 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 said.
The case highlights the risks associated with fraudulent overseas travel offers, particularly schemes that exploit people’s hopes of securing visas and better opportunities abroad. The circumstances surrounding the alleged offences remain subject to police investigation.
