A coordinated operation by the Nigerian Police Force has led to the rescue of 25 Ivorian nationals and the arrest of eight suspects connected to a transnational kidnapping syndicate operating in Ogun State.
According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, May 9, 2025, the rescue mission was launched following a report filed in Côte d’Ivoire on April 23.
The report, submitted by Kaussi Amenan Marianman to the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan, claimed her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been tricked into travelling to Nigeria under false promises.
The victim, Pierre, was reportedly promised assistance in obtaining travel documents for Belgium by individuals later identified as Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga.
Upon his arrival in Nigeria, however, he was held captive, and a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs (approximately ₦6.6 million) was demanded.
In response to the alert from NCB Abidjan, Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL Annexe Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni, immediately deployed a tactical team to investigate and dismantle the network.
On May 5, officers raided Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, where two victims were freed and two suspects were captured.
A second operation at Ejegun Itele in the same area uncovered a larger group of captives—23 in total, including Pierre—and led to the arrest of six additional suspects.
Pierre has since been reunited with his mother, who travelled to Nigeria following the rescue.
The remaining victims were transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service’s Zone ‘A’ Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, for further care and processing.
All eight suspects are currently in custody, with investigations ongoing.
In recognition of the successful operation, NCB Abidjan conveyed its appreciation to the Nigerian authorities in a letter dated May 6 and expressed a desire for stronger cross-border cooperation in the fight against international crime.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and dedication, emphasising the force’s commitment to making Nigeria unsafe for criminal elements, regardless of their nationality.
He reaffirmed the NPF’s readiness to collaborate with global partners to combat human trafficking and related crimes.
