Eric Patrick
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 40 Ghanaian nationals allegedly trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences and arrested three suspects believed to be part of a transnational human trafficking syndicate.
This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade,
Ayanlade said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Akure.
According to the statement, the rescue followed a formal petition filed through the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, requesting urgent intervention in a case involving a Ghanaian victim of human trafficking.
The police stated that one of the rescued victims, David Angerinya, was reportedly lured into Nigeria in 2024 with promises of employment and visa assistance by an unidentified suspect.
“Acting swiftly on the report, detectives from the TIRS, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, commenced a targeted investigation,” Ayanlade said.
Three suspects, Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix were apprehended during the operation.
The police revealed that the suspects are part of a wider trafficking network that deceives individuals from neighbouring West African countries with false promises of lucrative jobs and travel opportunities, especially to Canada and other Western nations.
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“Thirty-nine other Ghanaian nationals were also discovered to have fallen victim to the same syndicate,” Ayanlade noted.
Many of the rescued individuals were found without valid travel documents, while others held expired ones.
“All arrested suspects are in police custody and are cooperating with ongoing investigations,” the statement added.
Ayanlade disclosed that efforts are also underway to apprehend the owners and caretakers of the buildings where the victims were held, as they are suspected to have either facilitated or been complicit in the illegal operation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines.