Mohamed Garba
In a high-stakes operation revealing international law enforcement collaboration, Nigerian police and Interpol operatives rescued 25 Ivorian nationals from a transnational kidnapping syndicate in Ogun State, arresting eight suspects linked to the crime.
The dramatic raids, which unfolded on May 5, 2025, marked a critical victory against cross-border crime and human trafficking. The mission was launched after Ivorian national Kaussi Marianman filed a report with Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan on April 23, 2025.
She alleged her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been deceived into traveling to Nigeria by suspects Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, who falsely promised to secure his travel documents to Belgium. Once in Nigeria, Pierre was held captive, with kidnappers demanding a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs (approximately ₦6.6 million).
Acting on Interpol’s request, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, head of INTERPOL Annex Lagos, mobilized a specialized team to track the syndicate. On May 5, officers stormed Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, rescuing two victims and arresting two suspects. A follow-up raid at Ejegun Itele, a nearby community, led to the liberation of 23 additional captives—including Pierre—and the arrest of six more suspects. “This operation exemplifies our commitment to combating transnational crime,” said Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement.
“The collaboration between Nigerian authorities and Interpol ensured these victims were safely recovered and perpetrators apprehended.”
Following the rescue, Pierre was tearfully reunited with his mother, who traveled from Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria. The remaining 24 survivors were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service’s Zone A Headquarters in Lagos for processing and eventual repatriation.
The eight suspects remain in police custody, with investigations underway for prosecution on charges including kidnapping, extortion, and human trafficking. In a letter dated May 6, 2025, Interpol’s NCB Abidjan commended the Nigeria Police Force for its “swift and professional response,” emphasizing hopes to strengthen joint efforts against trans-border criminal networks.
The operation highlights rising regional cooperation to address kidnapping rings exploiting vulnerable migrants lured by false promises of overseas opportunities.
