Nigeria Police Force Rescues 25 Ivorian Nationals from Cross-Border Kidnapping in Ogun State
Nigeria Police Force Rescues 25 Ivorian Nationals from Cross-Border Kidnapping in Ogun State
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have successfully rescued 25 Ivorian nationals from the clutches of a cross-border kidnapping syndicate operating within Ogun State. The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspects believed to be involved in the crime. The rescue was carried out through a swift, coordinated effort in partnership with Interpol.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operation was initiated following a formal request from the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The request was prompted by a report from Kaussi Marianman, who reported that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been deceived into traveling to Nigeria under false pretenses by individuals named Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, who had promised to assist him in obtaining travel documents to Belgium.
Adejobi explained that upon arrival in Nigeria, Pierre was held captive by the suspects, who demanded a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs (approximately ₦6.6 million).
He stated, “The operation was triggered by a report filed on April 23rd, 2025, by Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman at NCB Abidjan, alleging that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, was lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by suspects identified as Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, with promises to facilitate his travel documents to Belgium. Once in Nigeria, Pierre was held captive, and the abductors demanded a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs, roughly equivalent to ₦6.6 million.”
Acting on this information, the Commissioner of Police at INTERPOL Annex Lagos, Bode Ojajuni, quickly deployed a team of experienced investigators to locate the suspects and rescue the victims.
On May 5, 2025, the team raided Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, rescuing two victims and apprehending two suspects. A subsequent follow-up operation at Ejegun Itele in the same area led to the rescue of an additional 23 victims—including Ladji Yoa Pierre—and the arrest of six more suspects.
Adejobi noted, “Following the request from NCB Abidjan, the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL Annex Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni, immediately mobilized a team of trained investigators. On May 5th, they stormed the hideout of the kidnappers at Osehi Hotel, Ado-Odo Ota, rescuing two victims and arresting two suspects. Further operations at Ejegun Itele resulted in the rescue of 23 more victims, including Ladji Yoa Pierre, and the detention of six additional suspects.”
After the successful rescue, Pierre was reunited with his mother, who had traveled from Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria for the occasion. The remaining 24 victims were handed over to the Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Zone A Headquarters, Lagos, for further processing.
The eight suspects are currently in police custody undergoing investigations, with potential charges forthcoming.
Expressing appreciation for the successful operation, Adejobi mentioned that the Head of NCB Abidjan sent a letter dated May 6, 2025, praising the Nigeria Police Force and Interpol for their exemplary collaboration and successful rescue efforts. He also emphasized the commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation to combat transnational crimes.
