The Akwa Ibom State Government has repatriated 44 Ghanaian nationals who were rescued from human trafficking camps in Umo Ekpo, Ifuho community (Ikot Ekpene LGA) and Ekpri Nsukara community (Uyo LGA), returning them to their home country.
The victims—27 males and 17 females—were formally handed over to a representative of the Ghana High Commission, Mr. Leslie Lawson, at the Department of State Security (DSS) office in Uyo. During the handover, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring a safe environment.
She noted that the rescue operation reflects the administration’s deliberate and strategic focus on security, emphasizing strengthened collaboration with security agencies, improved intelligence sharing, investment in security infrastructure, community-based engagement, and a zero-tolerance stance on crimes such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and organized crime.
Princess Ibanga explained that the victims had been deceived, defrauded, and lured into the state with false promises of opportunities in Europe, only to be held in harsh conditions. Following their rescue, the government provided care and support while arranging their safe return to Ghana to reunite with their families.
She also commended the DSS and other security agencies for dismantling the trafficking network and securing the victims’ release.
One of the victims, Gideon Yeboah, recounted how he was defrauded of 30,000 cedis and held captive since February 25 at a camp in Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, retired Brigadier General Koko Essien, expressed satisfaction with the successful operation and cautioned the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for unrealistic offers, even from trusted individuals.
