The rescued victims
By ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo –
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully freed 20 Ghanaian nationals who were victims of human trafficking, confined in a heavily secured compound in Obio Etoro village, Uyo Local Government Area.
The rescue, described as a meticulously planned effort, underscores the police’s commitment to combating cross-border crime and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, shared details of the operation in a press statement released to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
According to John, the breakthrough came after the police received credible intelligence about the trafficking operation.
“On Monday, August 18, at approximately 4:17 p.m., our operatives, acting swiftly on reliable information, cordoned off a well-fortified building in Obio Etoro village,” she explained.
The raid resulted in the safe rescue of 20 individuals, comprising 10 males and 10 females, all confirmed to be citizens of Ghana.
The operation was not a solo effort but a collaborative endeavor, spurred by a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
“This rescue was a product of seamless cooperation between our command, the Ghana Police Service, and Interpol, demonstrating the power of international partnerships in tackling human trafficking,” John stated.
The involvement of these agencies highlights the transnational nature of the crime and the coordinated efforts required to dismantle such networks.
Upon entering the compound, the police discovered the victims in a disoriented state, raising serious concerns about their treatment.
“The rescued individuals appeared confused and were unable to provide coherent information about their ordeal,” John noted, adding that investigators suspect the victims may have been subjected to psychological manipulation or hypnosis. This troubling observation has prompted the police to deepen their investigation into the methods used by the traffickers to control their captives.
The victims, whose identities have been withheld for their safety, are currently receiving care as the police work to uncover the full scope of the trafficking operation.
“Our investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to unraveling the details of this heinous crime,” John assured. She further stated that the public would be updated on significant developments as the case progresses.
The police have vowed to continue collaborating with local and international partners to ensure justice is served and to prevent such atrocities in the future.
