In a major breakthrough against transnational crime, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued 25 Ivorian nationals and arrested eight suspects during a daring operation in Ogun State. Among the rescued victims was Ladji Yoa Pierre, whose abduction had triggered a formal request from the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan.

This successful intervention marks the third major victory by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) against cross-border criminal syndicates within a week, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to international law enforcement collaboration and protection of foreign nationals on Nigerian soil.

The operation followed a report lodged on April 23, 2025, by Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman at NCB Abidjan, stating that her son had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by two men, identified as Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, who promised to facilitate his travel to Belgium. Once in Nigeria, Pierre was held captive, and his captors demanded a ransom of 2.5 million CFA (approximately N6.625 million).

Upon receiving the request, the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL Annex Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, swiftly deployed a tactical investigative team. On May 5, 2025, operatives stormed Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State, rescuing two victims and arresting two suspects. A follow-up raid in Ejegun Itele, within the same area, led to the rescue of 23 more victims, including Pierre, and the arrest of six additional suspects.

Pierre has since been reunited with his mother, who traveled from Abidjan, while the remaining 24 rescued individuals have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Zone A Headquarters, Ikeja, for further administrative action. The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing investigation ahead of prosecution.

NCB Abidjan, in a letter dated May 6, 2025, expressed deep gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force and Interpol Unit for their prompt and effective operation, reiterating their readiness to strengthen bilateral efforts in combating transnational crime.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response. He emphasized the NPF's resolve to ensure Nigeria remains unsafe for criminal syndicates, regardless of their origin, and reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to international cooperation in law enforcement.