{
  "id": 16008229,
  "title": "Police rescue 11 Ghanaians held hostage in Nigeria amidst visa scam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/police-rescue-11-ghanaians-held-hostage-in-nigeria-amidst-visa-scam",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T06:24:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/police-rescue-11-ghanaians-held-hostage-in-nigeria-amidst-visa-scam/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a dramatic rescue operation, 11 Ghanaian nationals were freed from captivity in Sagamu, Nigeria, after being allegedly held for months due to a visa scam, according to the Ogun State Police Command. The victims, comprising seven men and four women, were lured to Nigeria with false promises of Canadian and Spanish visas. Their captor, reportedly a fellow Ghanaian, deceived them into paying GH¢40,000 each before being taken to Nigeria and held against their will. The rescue was executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following a tip-off received on October 19, 2026. The rescued individuals are now receiving necessary care and support, while detectives continue their investigation to identify and apprehend others involved in the illicit operation. Ogun State Police Commissioner, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for their swift and professional response, emphasizing the police's commitment to protecting residents and combating cross-border criminal activities. He urged the public to verify visa applications and overseas travel arrangements before engaging with agents or intermediaries. The police also called for heightened vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.",
  "summary": "Police in Ogun State, Nigeria, have rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals who were allegedly held captive in Sagamu after being lured there with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas. The Ogun State Police Command announced the rescue in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by its Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi. According to the […]",
  "key_points": [
    "11 Ghanaian nationals rescued from Nigerian captivity",
    "Victims lured with false visa promises, held for months",
    "Rescue executed by Anti-Kidnapping Unit on October 19, 2026"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}