The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against human trafficking, with the rescue of a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was allegedly trafficked into Nigeria under false pretenses.
Acting on a formal petition routed through the Interpol Liaison Office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) in Akure swung into action and uncovered a transnational trafficking ring targeting West African nationals.
The police team, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, arrested three suspects identified as Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix, believed to be part of a larger criminal syndicate specializing in luring unsuspecting individuals into Nigeria with false promises of lucrative jobs and travel opportunities to Canada and other Western nations.
According to police sources, Angerinya had been deceived in 2024 by an unidentified associate who promised him employment in Nigeria.
He was subsequently trafficked into the country and held until the recent rescue operation.
In the course of the investigation, 39 other Ghanaian nationals were discovered as victims of the same network.
Many of them were without valid travel documents, while others possessed only expired ones.
The suspects are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
Police say efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the owners and caretakers of buildings used to harbor the victims.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal assured the public of the Command’s resolve to clamp down on human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
He also urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
