By Nkechi Eze
In another significant breakthrough in the fight against transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully rescued 25 Ivorian nationals, including Ladji Yoa Pierre, in a carefully coordinated operation. This marks the third major victory by the NPF against cross-border criminal activity within a single week, highlighting the Force’s commitment to international cooperation and justice.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi the force public relations officer in an official signed statement, disclosed that the rescue operation was initiated following a formal complaint submitted on April 23, 2025, to the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan by Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman, who reported that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by individuals identified as Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga. The suspects had allegedly promised to assist Pierre in obtaining travel documents to Belgium but later held him captive in Nigeria, demanding a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs (approximately ₦6.6 million).
Acting on a formal request from NCB Abidjan, CP Bode Ojajuni psc, Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, swiftly dispatched a specialized team to track and rescue the victims.
On May 5, 2025, police operatives raided Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, where two victims were freed and two suspects were apprehended. A follow-up operation in Ejegun Itele, Ado-Odo-Ota, led to the rescue of 23 more victims, including Pierre, and the arrest of six additional suspects.
Following the operation, Ladji Yoa Pierre was reunited with his mother, who traveled from Abidjan, while the other 24 rescued individuals were transferred to the Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Zone ‘A’ Headquarters in Ikeja, for appropriate processing. The eight suspects remain in custody pending investigation and possible prosecution.
In a letter dated May 6, 2025, NCB Abidjan praised the Nigeria Police Force and its INTERPOL Unit for the successful rescue and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in combating transnational crimes.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the NPF’s resolve to rid Nigeria of criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, regardless of nationality.
