Oyo police rescue 19 Ghanaians in human trafficking bust in Ibadan

Nineteen Ghanaian nationals believed to be victims of human trafficking have been rescued by the Oyo State Police Command during a targeted operation in Ibadan.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, revealed that the victims — comprising 14 young men and 5 women — had been lured into Nigeria under the pretense of job opportunities, only to be exploited by an undisclosed trafficking ring.

According to Osifeso, the operation was launched following credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities in a residential building located in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area.

“The building was found locked from the outside, raising immediate concerns. Upon execution of a search warrant, our officers discovered 19 Ghanaians who had been held under questionable conditions,” Osifeso noted.

Preliminary investigations suggest the victims were deceived and brought into the country through a well-orchestrated recruitment scam. They have since provided investigators with valuable accounts of their experience, helping authorities track down the network behind the trafficking scheme.

The victims were rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), which will oversee further investigations and work with Ghanaian authorities to facilitate their safe return home.

CSP Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling human trafficking and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“We are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for this exploitation. The safety and dignity of every human being remain a top priority.”

He also called on residents to remain alert and report any suspicious movements or activities in their communities.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing concerns surrounding cross-border trafficking and youth exploitation in West Africa, particularly under the guise of employment opportunities.