The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the rescue of 25 Ivorian kidnapped victims and the arrest of 8 suspects.
The abducted victims, including one Ladji Yoa Pierre, were the subject of a formal request from the National Central Bureau (NCB), Abidjan.
In a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, on Friday, he noted that the successful operation marks the third major achievement against transnational criminal activities in just one week.
Adejobi said that the achievement underscores the NPF’s relentless pursuit of justice, and its dedication to international collaboration.
“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, had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by some individuals who were later identified as Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, promised to facilitate his travel documents to Belgium.
“Once in Nigeria, Ladji Yoa Pierre was held captive, with the abductors demanding a ransom of two million five hundred CFA (equivalent to six million six hundred and twenty-five thousand Naira).
“Upon receiving the request from NCB Abidjan, the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Annex, Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni psc, immediately deployed a team of trained investigators to rescue the victim and apprehend his abductors. On May 5th, 2025, the team successfully stormed the hideout of the abductors rescuing two victims and apprehended two suspects at Osehi Hotel, located at Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State.
“Subsequent operation conducted at Ejegun Itele, Ado-odo-Ota resulted in the rescue of twenty-three (23) additional victims, including the said Ladji Yoa Pierre, and the arrest of six (6) more suspects,” the statement reads in part.
The spokesperson disclosed that after the successful operation, Ladji Yoa Pierre was reunited with his mother, Mrs. Kaussi Amena, who flew in from Abidjan.
He revealed that the other 24 rescued victims have been handed over to the Assistant Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, Ikeja-Lagos, for further action.
Adejobi also mentioned that the 8 apprehended suspects are in police custody undergoing investigation for possible prosecution.
Reacting to the triumphant execution, the Head of NCB, Abidjan, in a letter dated May 6, 2025, expressed gratitude and commendation to the NPF and Interpol Unit for the brilliant operation leading to the rescue of the victims.
The NCB boss expressed hope to strengthen collaboration between both agencies towards tackling trans-border crimes.
On his part, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their remarkable display of professionalism and expertise.
IGP Egbetokun reiterated that the security agency will ensure Nigeria is unsafe for criminal elements who prey on vulnerable individuals, regardless of their nationality.
“The Force is committed to working with our international partners to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice,” he added.
