The Nigeria Police has scored victory in the battle against transnational crime with the successful dismantling of a kidnapping syndicate operating across borders.
In a daring operation, police rescued 25 Ivorian nationals, including a man whose abduction had prompted an international manhunt, and arrested eight suspects linked to the criminal ring.
The operation, which took place over several days, culminated in the rescue of 23 victims on May 5 in Ogun State, following the successful storming of two hideouts.
This marks the third success in a week for the police in tackling international criminal activities.
The operation was initiated after a request was filed by Kaussi Amenan Marianman, whose son, Ladji Yoa Pierre was lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by two individuals, Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, who promised to help him obtain travel documents for Belgium.
Once in Nigeria, Pierre was held captive by the abductors, who demanded a ransom of two million five hundred CFA (approximately six million six hundred thousand Naira).
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The National Central Bureau (NCB) Abidjan promptly alerted Nigeria’s INTERPOL, leading to a swift and coordinated response.
Under the leadership of CP Bode Ojajuni, Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Lagos, a highly trained team of investigators was deployed to track down the suspects and rescue the victims.
On May 5, police raided a hotel in Osehi, Ogun State, where they freed two hostages and arrested two suspects.
A follow-up operation in Ejegun Itele, Ado-Odo Ota, led to the rescue of 23 more victims, including Ladji Yoa Pierre, and the arrest of six additional suspects.
The victims were handed over to Nigerian immigration authorities for further processing, while the arrested suspects are now in police custody, facing ongoing investigations for prosecution.
Pierre was reunited with his mother, Kaussi Amenan Marianman, who had travelled from Abidjan to be with her son.
In a letter dated May 6, NCB Abidjan commended the police and its INTERPOL unit for their professionalism and the successful rescue operation.
They expressed hope for strengthened international cooperation in the fight against transborder crime.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, congratulated the operatives involved, praising their dedication and skill.
He reiterated the NPF’s commitment to making Nigeria inhospitable for criminals, stressing the police’s ongoing partnership with international agencies to ensure justice for all victims of transnational crime.
