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PHOTOS: Akwa Ibom Govt hands over 44 trafficked Ghanaian nationals to home country
The Akwa Ibom State Government has handed over 44 Ghana nationals rescued from human trafficking camps at Umo Ekpo, Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo Local Government Area, to their home country.
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.
“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 in a statement issued on Friday, March 20, 2026.
“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, 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.”
Princess Ibanga explained that the victims were held in 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 at a camp at Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Water ways, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien, rtd, expressing happiness for the successful rescue operation, warned that people should be vigilant and be wary of larger than life offers even from close persons.
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