Police in Nigeria's Ogun State have rescued eleven Ghanaians who were allegedly lured into the country with promises of visas to Canada and Spain and
Police in Nigeria’s Ogun State have rescued eleven Ghanaians who were allegedly lured into the country with promises of visas to Canada and Spain and then held against their will in Sagamu.
The Ogun State Police Command said the victims, seven men and four women, were freed by operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit on 19 October 2026.
The operation followed intelligence the command received, and officers moved immediately to the hideout where the group was being kept.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 20 October, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said preliminary investigations showed that the victims had been deceived by a fellow Ghanaian.
Each of them reportedly paid GH₵40,000 to the man, who promised to arrange their overseas travel. They were instead taken to Nigeria, where they were allegedly confined.
The police said the rescued Ghanaians are receiving appropriate care and support. Detectives are working to identify and arrest others believed to be part of the network behind the scheme. As of the latest reports, no suspect had been confirmed arrested, and no formal charges had been filed.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its quick response and professionalism. He said the command would not allow Ogun State to become a haven for criminals who prey on vulnerable people, adding that there would be “no haven for criminals who exploit the hopes of others.”
The command also urged the public to verify any overseas travel or visa-processing arrangement before making payments, and to report suspicious activity to the authorities.
The case adds to a growing list of incidents in which Ghanaians seeking opportunities abroad have been trapped in similar schemes. Several rescues have been reported in Nigeria in recent months, with victims often lured by offers of visas, jobs or travel assistance, and then held while money is extracted from them or their families.
Visa and immigration experts consistently advise that no individual can guarantee a visa. Applicants are urged to deal only with embassies, high commissions and accredited agencies, to be wary of anyone demanding large upfront payments, and to be suspicious of any arrangement that requires travelling to a third country to “collect” travel documents.
Police say investigations are continuing.
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