The police in Ogun have dismantled a transnational fraud syndicate that lured unsuspecting foreign nationals into Nigeria with false promises of facilitating travel to Europe, rescuing nine victims and arresting two suspects in a coordinated operation.
The breakthrough, executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, followed actionable intelligence shared through INTERPOL, leading operatives to a criminal hideout in the Owode Egba area of Ogun State on April 6, 2026.
Police sources disclosed that the raid led to the rescue of a Ghanaian national, identified as Maclaud Owusu, 40, alongside eight other foreign victims who had been held under similar deceptive circumstances. All victims were rescued unharmed.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed a sophisticated criminal network that targets foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, by offering fake travel arrangements to Europe. Upon arrival in Nigeria, the victims are allegedly confined, while their mobile phones are seized and used to contact family members to extort money under false pretences.
In one instance, Owusu was reportedly defrauded of 31,000 Ghana Cedis before his rescue.
Police authorities confirmed that the victims are currently receiving care, with the principal victim already reunited with his family. Efforts are ongoing to reconnect the remaining victims with their relatives, while investigators intensify the manhunt for other members of the syndicate still at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift tactical response, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling cross-border crimes.
He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminal activities and assured that all individuals linked to the syndicate would be brought to justice.
The police also issued a public advisory, urging individuals seeking international travel opportunities to thoroughly verify the authenticity of agents and offers to avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
The arrested suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations
