The Oyo State Police Command has announced the rescue of 19 Ghanaians from what appears to be a human trafficking operation following a well-coordinated raid in Ibadan.
According to the police spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the victims — 14 men and 5 women — were all young Ghanaian nationals who were brought into Nigeria under deceptive promises of employment.
The statement released on Sunday revealed that the victims were found in a building located in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area in Ibadan.
Osifeso noted that the entire operation was initiated after the police received solid intelligence about suspicious movements at the said building.
Acting on this tip-off, the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), supported by tactical units, carried out a search operation. The building, which had been locked from the outside, was stormed, leading to the discovery of the trafficked individuals.
Initial findings suggest that the victims were tricked into leaving Ghana under the impression they would be given decent jobs in Nigeria. Instead, they ended up trapped by a network of unknown traffickers who intended to exploit them for profit. The victims, now in safety, have shared key details that are aiding ongoing investigations.
“The investigation is based on credible intelligence related to suspicious activities at a building in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area in Ibadan, Oyo state,” the statement read.
Police officials confirmed that, following protocol, the rescued Ghanaians have been transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service. Authorities are working to ensure that the individuals are safely returned to their families in Ghana once further checks are completed.
