The Ogun State Police Command says it has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held against their will in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.

The rescue followed an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, according to a statement issued in Abeokuta, the state capital.

“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,” the statement said.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims had allegedly been deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel abroad.

“Each reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will,” the statement added.

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

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

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, combating transnational crime, and preventing Ogun State from becoming a haven for criminals who exploit the hopes and trust of unsuspecting people.

Ojajuni 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.

“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration, and decisive action against criminal networks,” the statement said.

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