Police rescue 11 Ghanaians held hostage in Nigeria over Canadian visa scam

The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being deceived with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.

According to People’s Gazette, police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi disclosed the rescue in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“Operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit immediately mobilised to the identified hideout and safely rescued all 11 victims, comprising seven males and four females,” he said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a Ghanaian national allegedly lured the victims to Nigeria by promising to facilitate their relocation abroad.

“Each reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will,” the statement added.

Police said the victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while investigations continued to identify and arrest other suspects involved in the alleged criminal network.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating transnational crime and protecting lives across the state.