Nigeria Police Smash Kidnap Gang, Rescue 25 Ivorians In Cross-Border Crackdown
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In a daring and coordinated operation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismantled a transnational kidnapping syndicate and rescued 25 Ivorian nationals held hostage in Ogun State.
Among those freed was Ladji Yoa Pierre, whose mother had filed a formal complaint with INTERPOL Abidjan after he was lured to Nigeria with false promises of travel documents to Belgium.
Instead, he was held captive and a ransom of 2.5 million CFA was demanded.
The rescue, carried out on 5 May 2025, followed swift deployment by INTERPOL Nigeria under CP Bode Ojajuni.
Raids on a hotel and residential building in Ado-Odo Ota led to the arrest of eight suspects and the liberation of the victims.
The Ivorian authorities have since expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigeria Police, describing the operation as “brilliant” and a testament to the growing collaboration between both countries.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, hailed the officers involved, reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to making Nigeria a hostile ground for international criminal networks.
