Nigerian police rescue another 40 Ghanaian nationals, arrest 3 suspects  in Akure

Just days after authorities rescued over 30 Ghanaians who were allegedly deceived into coming to Nigeria under the pretext of job offers in Europe, the Ondo State Police Command has announced another major breakthrough in its anti-trafficking operations.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, officers from the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) in Akure successfully rescued 40 Ghanaian nationals, including one David Angerinya.

Three individuals believed to be connected to the trafficking network were also arrested.

The operation was launched following a petition received via the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters in Abuja. The request highlighted an urgent case involving a Ghanaian citizen allegedly trafficked across borders.

READ ALSO:Nigerian Police rescue 31 Ghanaians trafficked under false pretence of European jobs

Ayanlade disclosed that the primary victim, David Angerinya, had been brought into Nigeria in 2024 under the false promise of employment.

“Acting swiftly on the report, detectives from the TIRS, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, commenced a targeted investigation,” he said.

“Subsequently, three principal suspects identified as Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex and Kojo Felix were apprehended, while the victim was successfully rescued during the operation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of a larger transnational trafficking syndicate that specialise in deceiving unsuspecting individuals, particularly from neighboring West African countries.

“The victims travelled to Nigeria with false assurances of lucrative job opportunities and visa arrangements to Canada and other Western nations.”

Further inquiries revealed that 39 other Ghanaians had also been misled and trafficked by the same network. Many of them were discovered without valid travel documentation, while others held expired papers.

“All arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are cooperating with ongoing investigations.

“Furthermore, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the owners and caretakers of the buildings where the victims were harbored.

“The building owners and caretakers may have had knowledge of, or directly facilitated the illegal activities of the syndicate.”

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to dismantle human trafficking rings and tackle transnational crime.

“The CP urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency contact lines,” Ayanlade added