Police Rescue 25 Abducted Ivorian Nationals, Arrest Eight Suspects in Ogun

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully rescued 25 Ivorian nationals who were abducted in Ejegun Itele, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. The operation, conducted on May 5, 2025, also led to the arrest of eight suspected human traffickers.

According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the rescue was triggered by a report filed by Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman at the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Background of the Case

Her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by suspects identified as Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, who promised to arrange travel documents for Belgium.

Once in Nigeria, Pierre was held captive and a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs (₦6.6 million) was demanded. This led to immediate collaboration between the Nigeria Police and INTERPOL.

Rescue Mission and Arrests

On May 5, 2025, a team led by Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, CP Bode Ojajuni, rescued two victims at Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo/Ota and arrested two suspects. A follow-up operation at Ejegun Itele led to the rescue of 23 more victims and the arrest of six additional suspects.

Ladji Yoa Pierre was among those rescued and was reunited with his mother, who had traveled from Abidjan. The other 24 victims were handed over to the Assistant Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Services, Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, in Ikeja, Lagos.

International Commendation

In a letter dated May 6, 2025, the Head of NCB Abidjan expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force and INTERPOL Nigeria, applauding the swift and professional response. The letter emphasized a stronger partnership to fight trans-border crimes.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives and reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to making Nigeria inhospitable for criminal elements preying on vulnerable individuals—regardless of their nationality.

This operation reflects the importance of international cooperation in combating human trafficking and abduction across borders.

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