Twenty Ghanaian nationals, made up of 10 men and 10 women, have been rescued from suspected human traffickers in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State, following a joint operation between the Ghana Police Service, INTERPOL, and the Nigerian Police.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirmed the rescue in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Nigerian Punch newspaper reported.
According to the report, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the victims were discovered in a heavily fenced compound at Obio Etoi village in the Uyo Local Government Area.
The rescue operation, carried out on Monday, August 18, 2025, was based on credible intelligence received after a formal request from the Ghana Police Service. Armed operatives stormed the building around 4:17 pm, freeing the 20 Ghanaians who had been held against their will.
“On August 18, 2025, operatives of the Command successfully rescued 20 Ghanaians trafficked to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,” the police spokesperson confirmed.
“The victims were rescued after a collaborative operation with the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL,” she reportedly added.
The Nigerian police said the rescued victims appeared dazed and disoriented at the time of the operation, with investigators suspecting that they may have been hypnotised.
“The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information,” DSP John revealed.
The police have since launched a full-scale investigation into the trafficking network and assured that updates will be communicated as more details emerge.
A Daily Guide Report