Eleven Ghanaian nationals have been rescued by the police in Ogun State after they were allegedly lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas before being held against their will in Sagamu.
The victims, comprising seven men and four women, were reportedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who claimed to be able to facilitate their travel abroad. Each victim allegedly paid GH₵40,000 for the promised overseas travel arrangements before being brought to Nigeria and detained.
Their rescue followed an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who moved in on a suspected hideout after receiving actionable intelligence about the alleged hostage situation.
The operation has drawn attention to the dangers of fraudulent overseas travel schemes, particularly those targeting people hoping to secure visas and better opportunities abroad.
The police have confirmed the rescue and said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend everyone suspected of involvement in the alleged crime.
Police Rescue 11 Ghanaian Nationals in Sagamu
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the rescue in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
According to Babaseyi, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were mobilised to the suspected location after receiving actionable intelligence on Monday.
The officers subsequently carried out an operation that led to the safe rescue of all 11 victims.
The rescued individuals were identified as seven males and four females, all Ghanaian nationals who were allegedly being held against their will.
Although the police have not disclosed every detail surrounding the operation, the command described the intervention as an intelligence-led response to information about the victims’ situation.
The rescue marks a significant development in the investigation, as detectives work to establish how the alleged scheme was organised and identify the people responsible for bringing the victims into Nigeria.
Victims Allegedly Paid GH₵40,000 Each for Overseas Travel
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the victims were allegedly deceived by another Ghanaian national who promised to help them travel overseas.
The suspect reportedly presented opportunities to secure Canadian and Spanish visas, persuading the victims to pay money in anticipation of travelling abroad.
According to the police statement, each victim allegedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria, where they were subsequently held against their will.
The statement said: “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 allegations suggest that the promise of international travel was used to gain the victims’ trust before they found themselves in a situation they had not agreed to.
However, the full circumstances surrounding the alleged deception, the movement of the victims into Nigeria and the identities of everyone involved are still being investigated.
The police have not announced the total amount allegedly collected from the victims, beyond stating that each person reportedly paid GH₵40,000.
Police Intensify Efforts to Arrest Other Suspects
Following the rescue, the Ogun State Police Command said the victims were receiving appropriate care and support.
Meanwhile, detectives are intensifying efforts to track down and arrest other individuals suspected of participating in the alleged criminal network.
Babaseyi explained that the investigation would continue as officers seek to establish the extent of the operation and identify those responsible for the victims’ ordeal.
The police have not yet announced further arrests or disclosed whether the alleged principal suspect has been apprehended.
The ongoing investigation is expected to examine how the victims were recruited, the arrangements made for their travel to Nigeria and the circumstances under which they were allegedly detained.
Authorities are also working to ensure that the rescued individuals receive the necessary assistance following their ordeal.
The command has maintained that efforts will continue until those responsible for the alleged crime are identified and brought before the law.
Ogun Police Commissioner Praises Anti-Kidnapping Unit
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism during the rescue operation.
According to Babaseyi, the commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, combating transnational crime and preventing criminals from exploiting unsuspecting members of the public.
Ojajuni stressed that the police would continue pursuing those suspected of involvement in the alleged scheme.
He said efforts would not stop until the individuals responsible for the crime were apprehended and brought to justice.
The commissioner’s remarks reflect the command’s position that cross-border criminal activities require sustained investigations and cooperation among relevant authorities.
The case also highlights the vulnerability of people seeking opportunities abroad, particularly when travel agents or intermediaries make promises that applicants may find difficult to verify independently.
Police Warn Against Unverified Visa and Travel Arrangements
In response to the incident, the Ogun State Police Command urged members of the public to verify overseas travel arrangements and visa-processing offers before making payments.
The advice comes amid concerns about individuals who allegedly exploit people’s aspirations to travel abroad by making misleading promises or demanding money for services they may not be able to provide.
Prospective travellers are encouraged to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who claim they can guarantee foreign visas or arrange international travel without clear documentation.
The police also advised residents to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Verifying the identity and credibility of travel intermediaries before transferring money can help reduce exposure to fraudulent schemes. Travellers should also seek confirmation of visa requirements and application procedures through the relevant official channels.
Promises of guaranteed visas, pressure to make immediate payments and vague explanations about travel arrangements should be treated with caution.
The Ogun police have not suggested that every overseas travel arrangement is fraudulent. Rather, their warning emphasises the need for proper checks before people commit money or personal information to unfamiliar intermediaries.
Rescue Highlights Risks of Overseas Travel Scams
The rescue of the 11 Ghanaian nationals in Sagamu underscores the potential consequences of fraudulent migration and visa schemes.
For people seeking better employment, education or living opportunities abroad, offers to facilitate travel to countries such as Canada and Spain can appear attractive. However, criminal operators may exploit those ambitions to obtain money and exercise control over their victims.
In this case, police say the victims allegedly paid GH₵40,000 each after being promised assistance with overseas travel, only to be brought to Nigeria and held against their will.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against those suspected of involvement have yet to be established in court.
For now, the Ogun State Police Command says its priorities are to ensure the rescued victims receive appropriate support, establish the facts surrounding the alleged crime and apprehend the remaining suspects.
The command has reiterated its commitment to protecting the public and tackling criminal activities that exploit people across national borders.
Authorities are urging prospective travellers to verify visa and travel offers carefully and report suspicious arrangements before more people fall victim to similar schemes.
Source: NAN
