By Grace Zigah
Eleven Ghanaians have been rescued from captivity in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, after allegedly being lured into a fraudulent overseas travel arrangement involving promises of Canadian and Spanish visas in exchange for GH¢40,000 each.
The victims, comprising seven males and four females, were rescued by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence received on Monday, October 19, 2026.
According to the police, preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were deceived by a fellow Ghanaian who allegedly promised to facilitate their travel abroad but instead took them to Nigeria, where they were reportedly held against their will.
The Ogun State Police Command announced the rescue in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, by its Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi.
The operation has drawn attention to the dangers of fraudulent visa schemes that exploit the aspirations of people seeking opportunities abroad, particularly those willing to pay substantial sums to secure travel documents and overseas employment prospects.
Victims Allegedly Paid GH¢40,000 Each
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that each of the 11 victims had reportedly paid GH¢40,000 for assistance with travelling to Canada or Spain.
The victims were subsequently brought to Nigeria under circumstances that are now the subject of police investigations.
The command said its Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on actionable intelligence received on October 19 and immediately mobilised officers to the suspected hideout in Sagamu.
“Acting on actionable intelligence received on 19 October 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately mobilized to the identified hideout and safely rescued all 11 victims,” the police statement said.
The command added that the victims were being provided with appropriate care and support following their rescue.
The total amount allegedly paid by the victims comes to GH¢440,000, based on the reported payment of GH¢40,000 by each of the 11 individuals.
However, the police have not disclosed the identities of the alleged perpetrators, the precise arrangements under which the victims travelled to Nigeria or whether any suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.
Following the rescue, detectives have intensified efforts to identify, track down and apprehend all individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged scheme.
The investigation is expected to establish how the victims were recruited, how the money was collected and the circumstances under which they were allegedly detained in Sagamu.
The police have attributed the operation’s success to intelligence received before officers moved to the location where the victims were being held.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism during the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, combating transnational crime and preventing criminal networks from exploiting unsuspecting members of the public.
“There is no safe haven for criminals who exploit the hopes of others,” Ojajuni said, assuring the public that police operations would continue until those responsible were brought to justice.
The command has not provided further details about the victims’ current arrangements or whether they have begun the process of returning to Ghana.
