Nigeria police rescue 40 Ghanaians, 2 pregnant women, 7-month-old baby, 4-year-old child
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Police have smashed two human trafficking syndicates across Ondo, Anambra, and Enugu, rescuing several victims, among them 40 Ghanaians, two pregnant women, a seven-month-old baby, and a four-year-old child.
A statement issued on X by Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that Zone-13 Police Command carried out a “precision-led sting operation” targeting a network involved in child trafficking and a baby factory network.
Eight suspects arrested include Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56), who “confessed to active involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities functioning as baby factories,” Adejobi said.
“The victims rescued during the operation include a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women, all held under captivity in a remote village.”
The pregnant women, from Ebonyi, were allegedly lured to the facility and held until they give birth, after which their babies would be sold.
Police in Ondo also rescued a Ghanaian, David Angerinya, who was trafficked into Nigeria under false promises of a job and Canadian visa.
The rescue followed a petition from Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects – Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix.
“Investigations revealed that these suspects are part of a wider international trafficking syndicate that specialises in deceiving individuals, particularly from neighbouring West African countries, with fake promises of employment and travel visas to countries like Canada,” Adejobi added.
Some 39 additional Ghanaian nationals were found during the operation, many without valid travel documents or expired passports.
The victims were discovered in distressing conditions and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Adejobi quoted Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as saying the arrests “underscore the firm stance of the Nigeria Police Force against all forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes.
“The Force remains resolute in its duty to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators to justice, reinforcing the message that such crimes will not be tolerated under any guise.”
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