A Ghanaian national has allegedly lured 11 compatriots to Nigeria with the promise of securing Canadian and Spanish visas for them in what police believe is a criminal network.

According to the Nigerian police, each of the 11 victims reportedly paid GH¢40,000, believing they would be helped to travel abroad, before they were allegedly held against their will in Sagamu, Nigeria.

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In a statement dated October 20, 2026, and shared on X, the Ogun State Police Command said the 11 victims, comprising seven males and four females, were rescued during an intelligence-led operation on October 19, 2026.

“The Ogun State Police Command has rescued eleven (11) Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas, in a swift, intelligence-led operation.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their overseas travel. Each reportedly paid GH¢40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will,” the statement read.

The police said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed to the suspected hideout after receiving intelligence about the alleged criminal network and the victims being held against their will.

“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.

The rescued victims are said to be receiving care and support as detectives intensify efforts to track down and arrest all persons connected with the alleged criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police for the Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to protect lives, combat transnational crime and prevent Ogun State from becoming a haven for criminals.

The statement said the command was determined to protect people from those who exploit their hopes and trust.

“The Command’s resolve to protect lives, combat transnational crime, and ensure that Ogun State does not become a haven for criminals who exploit the hopes and trust of unsuspecting people,” it added.

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The police also urged the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities.

The command assured the public that efforts would continue until those responsible are brought to book.

Read the statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

OGUN POLICE UNCOVER ₦50.27M INTERNATIONAL VISA FRAUD, RESCUE 11 GHANAIANS

…CP OJAJUNI: NO SAFE HAVEN FOR CRIMINALS WHO EXPLOIT THE HOPES OF OTHERS

The Ogun State Police Command has rescued eleven (11) Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas, in a swift, intelligence-led operation.

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, comprising seven males and four females.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their overseas travel. Each reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will.

The rescued victims are receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives intensify efforts to track down and apprehend all persons connected with the alleged criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect lives, combat transnational crime and ensure that Ogun State does 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 are brought to justice.

The Command urges the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities.

The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration and decisive action against criminal networks. For the Command, every credible lead matters, every life matters, and protecting the public remains paramount.

DSP OLUSEYI B. BABASEYI, anipr POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER OGUN STATE COMMAND ELEWERAN, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

20TH OCTOBER, 2026

— Ogun State Police Command (@OgunPoliceNG) October 20, 2026