Police in Ogun State, Nigeria, have rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals who were allegedly lured to the country with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas and then held against their will in Sagamu. Each of the victims reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being taken to Nigeria.
The Ogun State Police Command announced the rescue in a statement dated October 20, 2026, which it shared on X. According to the command, the victims, made up of seven men and four women, were freed during an intelligence-led operation on October 19.
How the alleged scheme worked
Preliminary investigations suggest the victims were deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to arrange their travel overseas. They allegedly handed over GH₵40,000 each and were then brought to Nigeria, where they were held against their will. The police put the total value of the fraud at ₦50.27 million.
Nigerian police believe the case points to a wider criminal network rather than the work of a single person. The statement did not name the alleged mastermind, and it did not say whether any arrests have been made so far.
The rescue operation
The command said it received actionable intelligence on October 19 about a suspected hideout where the victims were being kept. Operatives from its Anti-Kidnapping Unit were immediately deployed to the location and safely rescued all 11 people.
The rescued Ghanaians are now receiving appropriate care and support. Meanwhile, detectives are working to track down and arrest everyone connected with the alleged network.
Commissioner’s reaction
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s determination to protect lives and tackle transnational crime, saying Ogun State would not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals who exploit “the hopes and trust of unsuspecting people.”
He assured the public that the police would keep working until those responsible are brought to justice. In the statement, the command said that for its officers, “every credible lead matters, every life matters.”
Warning to the public
The command urged members of the public to verify any overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before paying money to anyone. It also asked people to report suspicious activities to the police.
The case adds to a growing number of visa-related fraud stories involving Ghanaians. GhanaWeb has separately reported on other visa controversies, including one involving a cultural festival and a police investigation into a wider visa scandal. Those cases are separate from this one, and the Ogun police statement does not link them.
What remains unclear
Several details are still unknown. The police have not said how the victims were recruited, how long they were held, or whether they were physically harmed. It is also not clear when the victims will be able to return to Ghana, or whether Ghanaian authorities are assisting in the case.
For now, the rescue marks an important step, but the investigation is still at an early stage. The allegations remain unproven, and no suspect has been publicly identified or charged. Police say the search for those behind the alleged scheme continues.