Akwa Ibom Govt Hands Over 44 Trafficked Ghanaian Nationals To Home Country

The Akwa Ibom State Government has handed 44 Ghanaian nationals who were rescued from human trafficking camps to officials from Ghana.

In a statement released on Friday, the state’s press unit said the victims included 27 men and 17 women.

They were rescued from two locations including Umo Ekpo in the Ifuho community of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Emem Ibanga, said the operation shows the government’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining safety across the state.

She stressed that ensuring the security of residents remains a top priority, supported by ongoing investment in security systems and operations.

Ibanga added that the government plans to work more closely with security agencies and will continue to take a strong stance against human trafficking, kidnapping, and other organised crimes

“This successful operation is not an isolated achievement. It reflects the deliberate and strategic commitment of Governor Umo Eno towards safeguarding lives and maintaining a secure environment for all residents,” She said.

According to her, the victims were held in poor conditions after being deceived with promises of better opportunities abroad, particularly in Europe.

Many of them were reportedly forced into the situation after being defrauded and misled.

She explained that the state provided care and support for the victims before arranging their safe return to Ghana, where they are expected to reunite with their families.

Ibanga also praised the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for breaking up the trafficking network and rescuing those involved.

An official from the Ghana High Commission, Leslie Lawson, thanked Akwa Ibom government for its efforts and assured that the victims would be reunited with their relatives.

He encouraged the returnees to take part in awareness campaigns organised by Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports to help warn others about the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration.

One of the victims, Gideon Yeboah, said he had been held at the Ifuho camp since February 25 and lost 30,000 cedis to the traffickers.

KanyiDaily also reported how NAPTIP rescued 25 women from a suspected human trafficking operation in Abuja.