The Ogun State Police Command has uncovered a transnational criminal syndicate that staged fake kidnappings to extort ransom from unsuspecting families abroad.
Detectives arrested eight foreign nationals in Adiyan Town, Agbado Area, dismantling what authorities described as a sophisticated fraud operation.
The breakthrough followed a report on Monday, when a Mauritanian national, Cheik El-Mehdi, claimed he had been abducted in Nigeria and demanded ransom from his family.
Shortly after, another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo of Burkina Faso, reinforced the threats, warning the victim’s relatives that he would be killed if payment was not made.
Acting on credible intelligence, detectives led by CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen of Ifo Division launched a swift, intelligence-driven operation.
“This response proved decisive in uncovering the location of the suspects and preventing what could have resulted in a successful cross-border financial crime,” the Command said.
The suspects, including nationals from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, were arrested at their hideout.
Preliminary findings revealed that the purported victim was complicit, having actively participated in orchestrating the staged abduction.
Suren Neta, an Ivorian, was said to have lured El-Mehdi into Nigeria, while Zawadogo coordinated ransom demands.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the professionalism of the detectives, declaring, “The case highlights the increasing sophistication of transnational criminal activities and reaffirms the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and sustained operations against organized crime.”
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe.
The Command reassured the public that Ogun State remains a hostile environment for criminal elements, vowing to strengthen cross-border collaboration to ensure safety and security.