Police smash human trafficking syndicate in Ondo, rescue 40 Ghanaians

The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a transnational human trafficking syndicate operating in Akure, rescuing 40 Ghanaian nationals allegedly trafficked into Nigeria.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, spokesperson for the state police command in a statement on Saturday said the rescue operation was carried out by the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), following a petition forwarded through the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The petition highlighted the case of a Ghanaian citizen, David Angerinya, who was reportedly lured to Nigeria in 2024 with promises of employment. Upon investigation, the TIRS team, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, uncovered a wider trafficking operation.

Three suspects were apprehended during the raid – Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, Kojo Felix.

“David Angerinya was successfully rescued. Further investigations revealed that an additional thirty-nine Ghanaians had also fallen victim to the same trafficking syndicate,” said Olushola.

According to police reports, many of the victims lacked valid travel documents, while others held expired papers.

Investigators believed that the syndicate preyed on vulnerable individuals from West African nations, luring them with promises of jobs in Nigeria and fake visa arrangements to Canada and other Western countries.

“These criminals exploit desperation and poverty. Their actions are not only illegal but deeply inhuman,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal condemned the actions of the syndicate and affirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting all residents and visitors in Ondo State.

“This is a serious case of human rights abuse. Our command will continue to collaborate with national and international partners to clamp down on human trafficking and ensure justice for the victims,” Lawal added.

All three suspects are said to be currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

Authorities are also pursuing the owners and caretakers of properties where the victims were housed, as they may be complicit in the illegal operation.