This marks the third major achievement against transnational criminal activities within the span of one week, underscoring the NPF’s relentless pursuit of justice, and its dedication to international collaboration”
By Nudoiba Ojen
THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE has again recorded another resounding success in the fight against transnational crime.
Following a formal request from the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abidjan, the Nigeria Police embarked on a meticulously executed operation, and rescued 25 Ivorian nationals, including one Ladji Yoa Pierre, who was the subject of a formal request from the NCB Abidjan.
According to a statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “Upon receiving the request from NCB Abidjan, the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Annex, Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni, immediately deployed a team of trained investigators to rescue the victim and apprehend his abductors.
“On May 5, 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 23 additional victims, including the said Ladji Yoa Pierre, and the arrest of six more suspects,” Adejobi stated.
The Force spokesman stated that “this marks the third major achievement against transnational criminal activities within the span of one week, underscoring 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, promising 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 N6.625million).
“Following the successful operation, Ladji Yoa Pierre was handed over to his biological mother, Mrs Kaussi Amena, who came all the way from Abidjan.
“The remaining 24 rescued victims have been handed over to the Assistant Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Services, Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, Ikeja-Lagos, for further action, while the eight apprehended suspects are in police custody undergoing investigation for possible prosecution.
“In response to this successful operation, the head NCB Abidjan in a letter dated May 6, 2025, expressed deep appreciation and compliment to the Nigeria Police Force and Interpol Unit for the brilliant operation leading to the rescue of the victims and hope to strengthen collaboration between both agencies towards tackling trans border crimes.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has once again commended these operatives for their remarkable display of professionalism and expertise.
“The IGP has reemphasized that the NPF will make sure Nigeria is inhabitable 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,” Adejobi stated.
