The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued 20 Ghanaians, including 10 women and 10 men, from a suspected human trafficking syndicate in Uyo, the state capital.
The rescue operation, conducted on Monday, August 18, 2025, was the result of a joint effort between the Ghana Police Service, INTERPOL, and their Nigerian counterparts.
International Collaboration Leads to Raid
In a statement issued Wednesday, August 20, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, revealed that the victims were freed following a formal request for assistance from Ghanaian authorities.
According to John, operatives stormed a heavily fenced compound in Obio Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence. The operation, carried out at approximately 4:17 pm, led to the safe recovery of the victims.
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Victims Appear Hypnotised
John disclosed that the victims, all confirmed Ghanaian nationals, were found in a disoriented state and unable to communicate clearly with investigators.
“The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information, leading investigators to suspect they might have been hypnotised,” she stated.
Investigations Ongoing
Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the traffickers or how the victims were lured into Nigeria. However, the police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be communicated to the public.
The latest rescue underscores the growing concern over cross-border human trafficking in West Africa, with Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities ramping up efforts to dismantle such criminal networks.
