The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas, with each victim reportedly paying GHC40,000 for the arrangement.

The victims, comprising seven males and four females, were rescued by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following actionable intelligence received on October 19, 2026.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their overseas travel.

According to the statement, the victims were brought to Nigeria and held against their will after making the payments.

The police said the rescued victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives intensified efforts to track down and apprehend those connected with the alleged criminal network.

Reacting to the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the anti-Kidnapping unit for its prompt response and professionalism.

Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s resolve to combat transnational crime, warning that Ogun State would not become “a haven for criminals who exploit the hopes and trust of unsuspecting people.”

He 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.

“For the command, every credible lead matters, every life matters, and protecting the public remains paramount,” the statement added.

—By Uthman Salami