Akwa Ibom Hands Over 44 Ghanaians Rescued From Trafficking

The government of Akwa Ibom State led by the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has handed over 44 Ghanaians rescued from two human trafficking dungeons in the State.

The victims, LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered, were hypnotized and trafficked into the state, but were fortunate to be rescued at detention camps at Umo Ekpo, Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene local government area and Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo, the State capital.

Releasing the trafficked persons comprising 27 males and 17 females to an official of the Ghana High Commission, Mr Leslie Lawson, at the Department of State Security, (DSS), operational office in Uyo, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princes Emem Ibanga, reiterated the determination of the State government to safeguarding lives and maintaining a secured environment.

She said that security of lives and property as reflected in the Arise Agenda blueprint of the Umo Eno administration has remained a top priority as the administration has invested in security infrastructure and logistics for effective operations.

Besides, she stated that the administration has strengthened collaboration with security agencies and ensuring a zero tolerance to human trafficking, kidnapping and other organised and violent crimes.

“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.

“Under his leadership, security has remained a top priority through
strengthened collaboration with security agencies, ensuring intelligence sharing and rapid response to threats, continuous investment in security infrastructure and logistics to enhance operational effectiveness.

“The government has also invested much in community-based security engagement, empowering local communities to serve as the first line of defense; and a zero-tolerance on criminality, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and organized crime,” she stressed.

Princess Ibanga explained that the victims were held in a very dire conditions after they were defrauded, coerced and lured into the state with a promise of a golden fleece in Europe.

She added that upon their rescue, the state government provided care and succour to the victims and initiated the process of their safe return to their country to reunite with their families.

The humanitarian affairs commissioner particularly commended the DSS and other security agencies for outsmarting the human trafficking syndicate and ensuring the release of the victims in their designated camps.

Recounting their ordeal, one of the victims Gideon Yeboah, said that he was defrauded of 30,000 Cedis and held hostage since February 25, 2026, at a camp at Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene LGA.

The commissioner for internal security and water ways, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien, rtd, who expressed happiness over the successful rescue operation, cautioned that people should be vigilant and be wary of larger than life offers even from close persons.

He commended the security agencies for keying into the security trust of the Arise Agenda by combating criminality in the State.

On his part, Mr Lawson expressed appreciation to the State government for the rescue mission , assuring that the High Commission will ensure that each of the victims is united with their families.

Mr Lawson called on the victims to be part of their home country’s Ministry of Youths and Sports campaign against human trafficking and the quest for greener pasture abroad.

On his part, the state director of security, Mr Nudim Iroakazui, advised the victims to see their experience as an eye opener and be at alert to the activities of human trafficking syndicates and other fraudsters, pledging continued security collaboration in tackling criminality in the state.