{
  "id": 15784485,
  "title": "Police rescue 11 Ghanaians lured to Nigeria with Canada visa offer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/police-rescue-11-ghanaians-lured-to-nigeria-with-canada-visa-offer-15784485",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T19:04:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/police-rescue-11-ghanaians-lured-to-nigeria-with-canada-visa-offer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals from alleged hostage situation in Sagamu, Nigeria, after they were lured with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas. The command revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, citing its Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi. The victims, consisting of seven males and four females, were rescued by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence received on October 19, 2026. The police said the victims were deceived by another Ghanaian, who promised to arrange their overseas travel. Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held captive. The command noted that the victims are receiving necessary care and support, while detectives are working to identify and apprehend those involved in the alleged criminal network. Ogun State's Police Commissioner, Bode Ojajuni, praised the Anti-Kidnapping Unit's swift response and professionalism. He emphasized the command's commitment to protecting lives, combating transnational crime, and preventing Ogun State from becoming a safe haven for criminals exploiting vulnerable individuals. The commissioner urged the public to verify overseas travel and visa arrangements before making payments and to report any suspicious activities.",
  "summary": "Ogun State Police have rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas. Read More: https://punchng.com/police-rescue-11-ghanaians-lured-to-nigeria-with-canada-visa-offer/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Police rescue 11 Ghanaians lured to Nigeria with Canada visa offer",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/police-rescue-11-ghanaians-lured-to-nigeria-with-canada-visa-offer",
        "published": "2026-10-20T18:40:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}