In a major breakthrough against transnational crime, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have rescued 25 Ivorian nationals, including one Ladji Yoa Pierre, who was the subject of a formal request from the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abidjan.
This marks the third major success by the NPF in combating international criminal activities within a week, highlighting its commitment to justice and global cooperation.
The rescue operation was initiated following a report lodged on April 23, 2025, by Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman at NCB Abidjan.
She alleged that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by two individuals, Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, who promised to secure travel documents for him to Belgium.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, Pierre was reportedly held captive, with his abductors demanding a ransom of two million five hundred CFA (₦6,625,000).
Upon receiving the alert from NCB Abidjan, the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Annex, Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni psc, swiftly deployed a team of investigators to track down the victim and arrest the culprits.
On May 5, 2025, the police team stormed Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, rescuing two victims and apprehending two suspects.
A follow-up operation at Ejegun Itele, Ado-Odo Ota, led to the rescue of an additional 23 victims, including Ladji Yoa Pierre, and the arrest of six more suspects.
Ladji Yoa Pierre was subsequently reunited with his mother, Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman, who traveled from Abidjan to Lagos for the handover.
The remaining twenty-four rescued victims were transferred to the Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, for further action. Meanwhile, the eight suspects are currently in police custody, facing investigation for possible prosecution.
In response to the successful operation, the head of NCB Abidjan, in a letter dated May 6, 2025, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force and the Interpol Unit for the effective operation that led to the rescue.
The letter also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between both agencies to curb transborder crimes.
