Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Ogun State Police Command have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the rescue of nine foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate.
The suspects: Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended at their hideout in the Owode Egba area of the State.
On April 6, 2026 at about 12pm following actionable intelligence received via INTERPOL, operatives of the Unit swiftly mobilised and stormed the identified criminal hideout where one Maclaud Owusu, aged 40, a Ghanaian national, was being unlawfully held.
The operation led to the successful rescue of the victim unhurt alongside eight other victims held under similar circumstances.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of an organised criminal syndicate that lures foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, to Nigeria under the false promise of facilitating their travel to Europe.
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Upon arrival, the victims are deceived, confined, and their mobile phones are used to contact relatives and associates to demand money under false pretences.
Owusu, the principal victim, was defrauded of the sum of ₵31,000 before the police intervention.
The suspects were arrested at the scene, while the victims have been secured and provided with necessary assistance.
The principal victim has since been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to reunite the other rescued victims with their respective families.
Investigation is ongoing to track down and bring all accomplices connected to the syndicate to justice.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner, Ogun State Police Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, tactical efficiency, and swift response of the operatives, as well as the synergy with international law enforcement agencies.
Ojajuni reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for all forms of criminality and assured that such syndicates will be decisively dismantled.
The Command urged members of the public, particularly those engaging in international travel arrangements, to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of agents to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
Citizens were further encouraged to provide timely and credible information to the police through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.
