The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.

The victims—seven males and four females—were rescued during an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation followed intelligence received on October 19, 2026, concerning a suspected hideout.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel abroad. Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and detained against their will.

The victims are currently receiving care and support, while detectives work to identify and arrest other members of the alleged criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and combating transnational crime, stating that Ogun State would not become a safe haven for criminals.

The police urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Federal Government has confirmed one laboratory-diagnosed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The case was confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT. She had received treatment at the facility for several days before being isolated. She is currently receiving medical care.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that contact tracing had commenced. So far, 44 close contacts have been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and FCT health authorities, is taking measures to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, and report suspected exposure or symptoms to public health officials. The NCDC toll-free call centre is available 24 hours a day on 6232 for information and suspected case reporting.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the alleged poor treatment of retired police officers, warning that many former members of the force are facing hunger, illness and humiliation after decades of service.

Atiku’s comments followed reports of protests by retired police officers at the National Assembly. The retirees, accompanied by their wives and children, reportedly called for legislative action to improve their welfare and secure better pension arrangements.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the condition of retired police personnel reflected a broader failure to honour the sacrifices made by those who served the country. He alleged that some serving officers were also being forced to draw from their pension savings to feed their families.

The former vice president specifically called for an immediate response to the Police Exit Bill, which is intended to address the welfare and retirement conditions of police officers. He also demanded an urgent review of police salaries, particularly following the recent pay increase approved for members of the Armed Forces.

According to Atiku, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police told him that he received a monthly pension of only N29,000. The former vice president questioned how anyone could meet basic needs on such an amount, adding that the retiree disclosed that more than 120 members of his association had died within the past three years.

“‘What would you even buy with N29,000?’ he asked,” Atiku reportedly said, urging President Tinubu to engage directly with retired officers and hear their concerns.

Atiku also recounted the case of a retired female Assistant Commissioner of Police who allegedly sought menial employment after years of service. He said she was later found begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja, prompting one of his media managers to bring the situation to his attention.

Although assistance was provided to the woman, Atiku argued that private intervention could not substitute for a functional and dependable pension system. He said former officers should not have to rely on charity or chance encounters to receive the support they had earned through public service.

The former vice president expressed particular concern that a woman who had risen to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police could be reduced to begging. He questioned why she had to be discovered in distress before receiving help, insisting that the state had a responsibility to protect its former personnel.

Atiku’s remarks have renewed debate over the welfare of Nigeria’s police officers, both serving and retired. The controversy also highlights longstanding concerns about inadequate pensions, delayed benefits and the disparity between the compensation of police personnel and other security agencies.

The call for action places pressure on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to address the Police Exit Bill and review the broader welfare framework for officers. For many retired police officers, however, the issue is not merely legislative. It is a demand for dignity, financial security and recognition after years of service to the nation.