Ogun Police Rescue 11 Ghanaians in GH₵440,000 Visa Scam
Desperate Search for Greener Pastures Turns into Nightmare as Suspected International Fraud Syndicate Lures Victims to
Nigeria with Canadian and Spanish Visa Promises
The growing desperation among Africans seeking greener pastures abroad has once again exposed the activities of suspected international fraud syndicates following the rescue of 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held against their will in Sagamu, Ogun State. The victims, comprising seven men and four women, were reportedly deceived into paying substantial amounts of money for promised Canadian and Spanish visas before discovering that their dreams of travelling overseas had turned into a frightening ordeal.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, each of the victims allegedly paid GH₵40,000 to a suspected travel facilitator, bringing the total amount involved to GH₵440,000. Preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged mastermind, also identified as a Ghanaian national, reportedly convinced the victims that legitimate travel arrangements had been secured for them. However, rather than facilitating their movement to Canada or Spain, the victims were brought into Nigeria, where they were allegedly confined against their will.
The suspected criminal operation was uncovered following credible intelligence received by the Ogun State Police Command on October 19, 2026. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched an intelligence-led operation at the identified location in Sagamu, successfully rescuing all 11 Ghanaian nationals. The operation prevented the victims from remaining in captivity while providing investigators with an opportunity to uncover the circumstances surrounding the suspected cross-border criminal network.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that the rescued victims were receiving appropriate care and support while investigations continued. He explained that detectives had intensified efforts to identify, locate and apprehend individuals suspected of participating in the alleged visa fraud operation. The police are also working to establish the full extent of the suspected network and determine whether other unsuspecting individuals may have fallen victim to similar schemes.
Reacting to the successful rescue operation, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its professionalism, prompt response and commitment to protecting lives. He reiterated that Ogun State would not be allowed to become a sanctuary for criminal organisations exploiting the desperation of individuals seeking better economic opportunities abroad. The police commissioner further assured members of the public that the command would continue strengthening intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and operations against transnational criminal activities.
Beyond the immediate rescue, the incident has renewed concerns about fraudulent overseas employment and visa-processing arrangements targeting vulnerable African migrants. The increasing popularity of the Japa phenomenon, driven partly by economic hardship and the search for improved living conditions, has created opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to exploit prospective travellers. Security experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of verifying immigration procedures through recognised diplomatic missions and authorised institutions before making financial commitments to travel facilitators.
The Ogun State Police Command consequently urged Nigerians, Ghanaians and other prospective international travellers to exercise extreme caution when dealing with individuals promising guaranteed visas, overseas employment or accelerated immigration processing. Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious travel arrangements and suspected criminal activities to security agencies. While investigations continue and efforts to apprehend those responsible remain ongoing, the rescue of the 11 Ghanaian nationals serves as a warning that the pursuit of greener pastures must be accompanied by careful verification, vigilance and awareness of increasingly sophisticated immigration-related fraud.
