In a daring cross-border operation, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with INTERPOL, has rescued 25 Ivorian nationals from a kidnapping syndicate operating in Ogun State and arrested eight suspects linked to the crime.
The operation was launched following a formal request from the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan, after Kaussi Marianman reported that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, was lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga.
The suspects had promised Pierre travel documents to Belgium but instead held him captive, demanding a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs (₦6.6 million).
According to Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the INTERPOL Annex Lagos team, led by Commissioner Bode Ojajuni, conducted a swift sting operation.
On May 5, 2025, police stormed Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, rescuing two victims and arresting two suspects. A follow-up raid at Ejegun Itele led to the rescue of 23 more victims, including Pierre, and the arrest of six additional suspects.
The rescued victims were handed over to the Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Zone A Lagos, for processing, while the eight arrested suspects remain in police custody pending investigation and prosecution.
NCB Abidjan praised the Nigeria Police and INTERPOL in a letter dated May 6, 2025, commending their efficiency in tackling transnational crime. This operation highlights the growing threat of cross-border kidnappings in West Africa and the importance of international police cooperation.
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