Operatives of Nigeria Police Force have rescued two female Colombian citizensidentified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa being held hostage by in Lagos.
The victims were fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated by certain Chinese nationals who are currently at large, CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer said in a statement on Saturday
Iniedu said the two foreign nationals were rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex.
According to him, the rescue operation followed actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, 2026, regarding two female citizens of Colombia, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.
“The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.
Indiedu added that the rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.
According to him, the Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes,” the Force spokesperson said.
