By Chigozie Daniel
The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough with the rescue of nine foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate operating under the guise of overseas travel facilitation.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended by operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit at their hideout in Owode Egba area of the state following a coordinated intelligence driven operation.
Police sources disclosed that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence shared through INTERPOL, which pointed to the unlawful detention of a Ghanaian national at the location.
Acting swiftly, operatives stormed the premises at about 12 noon on April 6, 2026, leading to the successful rescue of the victim alongside eight others who were found in similar circumstances.
All nine victims were rescued unharmed, bringing to light a disturbing pattern of exploitation targeting foreign nationals lured into Nigeria with promises of onward travel to Europe.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of an organised criminal network that specialises in deceiving unsuspecting victims, particularly from Ghana, with false assurances of facilitating migration opportunities.
Upon arrival, the victims are reportedly confined and stripped of their freedom, while their mobile phones are used to contact family members and associates to extort money under false pretences.
One of the victims, identified as Maclaud Owusu, was allegedly defrauded of Thirty One Thousand Ghana Cedis before the police intervention disrupted the scheme.
The suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody, while the rescued victims have been placed under protective care and provided with necessary support.
Police authorities confirmed that the principal victim has been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to trace relatives of the other victims as investigations continue to track down additional members of the syndicate.