No fewer than 40 Ghanaian nationals, including one David Angerinya, have been rescued by the Ondo State Police Command from a human trafficking syndicate operating across West Africa.
The victims, who were reportedly lured into Nigeria under false pretences of job opportunities and visa arrangements to Western countries, were rescued during a sting operation conducted by the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Akure.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, who confirmed the operation in a statement on Saturday, said the police acted on a formal petition forwarded through the Interpol Liaison Office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Ayanlade, operatives of the TIRS, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, launched a swift and targeted investigation that led to the arrest of three suspected traffickers. The suspects were identified as Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to a transnational trafficking network that specialises in deceiving unsuspecting individuals from neighbouring West African countries,” Ayanlade stated.
He disclosed that many of the victims were found without valid travel documents, while others had expired ones, further complicating their status in Nigeria.
The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend property owners and caretakers of the buildings where the victims were harboured. The police suspect that the facilities were used deliberately to facilitate trafficking activities.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in trafficking and other transnational organised crimes.
Lawal urged residents to support the police by reporting any suspicious activity or movement in their communities.
“The command remains committed to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that those responsible for human trafficking are brought to justice. We call on members of the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our emergency lines,” the CP said.
The police said the rescued victims are currently receiving necessary care, while diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate them to Ghana in coordination with relevant agencies.
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