Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have rescued nine foreign nationals and arrested two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate operating under the guise of facilitating travel to Europe.
Carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the operation followed actionable intelligence from the INTERPOL, leading to the arrest of the suspects at their hideout in Owode Egba area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended on April 6, 2026, during a coordinated raid that led to the rescue of one Maclaud Owusu, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, alongside eight other victims.
Police investigations revealed that the syndicate specializes in luring unsuspecting foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, to Nigeria with false promises of securing travel documents and passage to Europe. Upon arrival, victims are reportedly detained, deceived, and coerced into contacting relatives for financial extortion.
According to the police, the principal victim, Owusu, had already been defrauded of 31,000 Ghana Cedis before the intervention.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, noting that the success of the operation underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating organized crime.
“The Command maintains zero tolerance for criminality and will continue to dismantle such syndicates wherever they operate,” he said.
The rescued victims have been taken into protective custody and are receiving necessary support, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Police authorities also disclosed that the principal victim has already been reunited with his relatives.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate, with assurances that all those involved will be brought to justice.
The police have urged members of the public, especially individuals seeking international travel opportunities, to verify the credibility of agents and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
Residents were also encouraged to provide credible information to security agencies through designated emergency lines to aid in the fight against crime.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
