Ogun Police Rescue 9 Foreign Nationals, Arrest Two Over Transnational Travel Scam

Ogun Police Rescue 9 Foreign Nationals, Arrest Two Over Transnational Travel Scam

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have rescued nine foreign nationals and arrested two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate operating in the state.

The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended at their hideout in the Owode Egba area following an intelligence-led operation coordinated with INTERPOL.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was carried out on April 6, 2026, at about 12:00 p.m., after actionable intelligence revealed that a Ghanaian national, Maclaud Owusu, was being held against his will at the location.

Police operatives stormed the hideout and successfully rescued Owusu, aged 40, alongside eight other victims who were reportedly lured into Nigeria under similar circumstances. All victims were freed unharmed.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of an organised criminal network that targets foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, with false promises of facilitating travel to Europe. Upon arrival in Nigeria, victims are allegedly detained, while their mobile phones are used to contact relatives and associates to extort money under false pretences.

Owusu was reportedly defrauded of 31,000 Ghanaian cedis before the police intervention.

The suspects were arrested at the scene, while the rescued victims have been placed under protective care and are receiving necessary support. Police authorities confirmed that the principal victim has been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to reconnect the remaining victims with their relatives.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the оперативes for their swift response, professionalism, and effective collaboration with international law enforcement partners.

He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for criminal activities, assuring that all members of the syndicate would be tracked down and brought to justice.

The police also urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging travel agents, particularly for international trips, and to verify the authenticity of such arrangements to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

Authorities encouraged residents to provide credible information through designated emergency lines, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in combating crime.