Nigeria Police Dismantle Transnational Kidnapping Ring, Rescue 25 Ivorians and Arrest Eight Suspects In a coordinated crackdown, the

In a coordinated crackdown, the Nigeria Police Force has rescued 25 Ivorian nationals, including Ladji Yoa Pierre, and arrested eight suspects linked to a transnational kidnapping syndicate in Ogun State. The operation followed a formal request from INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, after Pierre’s mother, Kaussi Amenan Marianman, reported his abduction on April 23, 2025.

According to Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, suspects Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga lured Pierre with promises of facilitating travel documents to Belgium. However, upon arriving in Nigeria, Pierre was held captive, with kidnappers demanding a ransom of 2.5 million CFA (approximately ₦6,625,000).

Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, head of INTERPOL Annex in Lagos, swiftly mobilized a specialized team. On May 5, 2025, officers raided Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, rescuing two victims and arresting two suspects. A subsequent operation in Ejegun Itele led to the rescue of 23 additional victims, including Pierre, and the arrest of six more suspects.

FCNN confirms Pierre was reunited with his mother, Marianman, who traveled from Abidjan, while the remaining 24 survivors were transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Services for further assistance. The suspects are currently in custody pending investigation and prosecution.

NCB Abidjan praised the Nigeria Police and INTERPOL in a May 6 letter, commending their “brilliant operation” and emphasizing strengthened collaboration against cross-border crime. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun lauded the team’s professionalism, reaffirming the force’s commitment to making Nigeria “uninhabitable for criminal elements,” regardless of nationality, and vowed continued cooperation with global partners to ensure justice.

This operation underscores Nigeria’s escalating efforts to combat transnational organized crime and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.