Akwa Ibom State Government has handed over 44 Ghanaian nationals rescued from human trafficking camps in the state to officials of the Ghana High Commission.
The victims were rescued from camps located at Umo Ekpo in Ifuho community, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo Local Government Area.
Speaking at the formal handover held at the Department of State Services (DSS) operational office in Uyo, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Emem Ibanga, said the operation manifests the state government’s firm commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining a secure environment.
According to her, security remains central to the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, stressing that the administration has strengthened collaboration with security agencies, improved intelligence sharing, and invested in logistics to enhance rapid response to threats.
“This successful operation is not an isolated achievement. It is a reflection of the deliberate and strategic commitment of the Governor to safeguarding lives and maintaining a secure environment for all residents,” she said.
She also said that the rescued victims were lured into Nigeria with false promises of opportunities abroad, only to be defrauded, coerced, and held under harsh conditions by trafficking syndicates.
The state government provided immediate care and support to the victims upon their rescue and facilitated their safe return to Ghana for reunification with their families.
She lauded the DSS and other security agencies for dismantling the trafficking network and securing the victims’ release.
Narrating his ordeal, one of the victims, Gideon Yeboah, alleged he was defrauded of 30,000 cedis and held hostage at a camp in Ifuho community since February 25.
Speaking, an official of the Ghana High Commission, Mr. Leslie Lawson, expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government for the rescue effort, assuring that arrangements had been concluded to reunite the victims with their families.
Lawson further urged the returnees to support ongoing awareness campaigns in Ghana against human trafficking and irregular migration.
The State Director of Security, Mr. Nudim Iroakazui, advised the victims to treat their experience as a lesson and remain alert to the activities of traffickers and fraudsters, while reaffirming continued collaboration among security agencies to curb criminal activities in the state.
