Abdulsalam Hammad
The Ogun State Police Command has smashed an international visa fraud syndicate operating in Sagamu, rescuing 11 Ghanaian nationals who were allegedly held hostage after being promised Canadian and Spanish visas
According to a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on actionable intelligence received on October 19, 2026.
The operatives immediately mobilized to a hideout in Sagamu and safely rescued all eleven victims, comprising seven males and four females.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their overseas travel to Canada and Spain.
Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria. In total, the syndicate collected over GH₵440,000 from the victims.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, the victims were held against their will in the hideout, their movement restricted and phones allegedly seized.
DSP Oluseyi said:
”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, 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 11 rescued Ghanaians are currently in protective custody and receiving medical care and counselling while the main suspect, a Ghanaian believed to be the leader of the ring, is still at large and has been declared wanted.
In the foregoing, Ghanaian High Commission in Nigeria has been notified.
The victims will be profiled by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for possible human trafficking case.
The Ogun Police Command urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the police.
