Ondo police rescued 40 Ghanaians trafficked into Nigeria under fake job promises in Akure.
Three suspects were arrested as authorities investigate an international network exploiting West African migrants.
The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an international human trafficking network operating out of Akure, the state capital. The operation led to the rescue of 40 Ghanaian nationals who were reportedly lured into Nigeria under deceptive promises of employment.
The rescue mission, conducted by the Command’s Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), followed a formal petition submitted through the Interpol Liaison Office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, on Friday.
The investigation was sparked by the case of one David Angerinya, a Ghanaian man who arrived in Nigeria in 2024 after being promised a lucrative job. However, his hopes were dashed when it became evident that he had been deceived and trafficked. The case quickly led the police to uncover a larger, organised trafficking syndicate exploiting vulnerable individuals from West African countries.
Acting on intelligence, the TIRS, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, carried out a well-coordinated raid that resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix. During the operation, officers successfully rescued Angerinya along with 39 other Ghanaian nationals.
“Preliminary investigations showed that these individuals were promised jobs in Nigeria and even fake travel opportunities to countries like Canada,” DSP Olushola explained. “Unfortunately, many of them either held expired documents or had none at all, making them easy prey for traffickers.”
Police sources say the victims were housed in poor living conditions and may have been subjected to forced labor or further exploitation if not rescued. The syndicate, according to investigators, took advantage of the economic struggles facing many West African youths, using job scams and visa fraud to lure them across borders.
“These criminals exploit desperation and hardship,” Olushola said. “Their actions are not only criminal but also a gross violation of human rights.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the trafficking operation and reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding every resident and visitor in Ondo State.
“This is a clear case of transnational crime and human rights abuse,” CP Lawal said. “We will work closely with relevant agencies at both national and international levels to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.”
He added that the three suspects remain in custody and are assisting with further investigations. Authorities are also seeking the landlords and caretakers of the buildings used to harbor the victims, as they may face prosecution for complicity.
CP Lawal urged the public to remain vigilant and speak up against suspicious activity.
“Human trafficking thrives in silence. We call on all citizens to support our efforts and report anything unusual. Together, we can end this evil,” he stated.
