Police Bust Cross-Border Kidnapping Syndicate, Rescue 25 Foreigners, Arrest 8 Suspects
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 25 Ivorian nationals and arrested eight suspects in a coordinated operation targeting a transnational kidnapping syndicate operating within Nigeria.
According to a press statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operation followed a formal complaint filed on April 23, 2025, by Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman at the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abidjan. She reported that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been lured into Nigeria by two men—Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga—under the guise of assisting him with travel documents to Belgium, only to be held hostage with a ransom demand of CFA 2.5 million (approximately ₦6.6 million).
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Responding swiftly to a formal request from NCB Abidjan, the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL Annex Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni, deployed a tactical investigative team. The team successfully stormed Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, on May 5, rescuing two victims and arresting two suspects. A follow-up operation at Ejegun Itele in the same local government area led to the rescue of 23 more victims—including Pierre—and the arrest of six additional suspects.
The rescued victims were safely evacuated and handed over to appropriate authorities. While Pierre has been reunited with his mother, who traveled from Abidjan, the remaining 24 Ivorians were transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja for further administrative procedures. The eight arrested suspects remain in custody pending investigation and potential prosecution.
In a letter dated May 6, 2025, the head of NCB Abidjan praised the Nigeria Police and INTERPOL Lagos Unit for what it described as a “brilliant operation,” and expressed a strong desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combating cross-border crimes.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the NPF’s resolve to make Nigeria hostile territory for criminals targeting both nationals and foreigners.
This latest breakthrough marks the third major transnational crime bust by the Nigeria Police in one week, further cementing its commitment to global law enforcement partnerships and the protection of all persons within its jurisdiction.
By PRNigeria
