Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a human trafficking ring and rescued 19 Ghanaians in Kajorepo, Akinyele Local Government Area.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a press release, Ref:AZ:5250/OY/PPRO/VOL.6/301, dated 6 July, 2025.
The rescue was made last Wednesday after the successful completion of a targeted operation, based on credible intelligence related to suspicious activities at a building in the Kajorepo Community.
According to police investigation, the 19 Ghanaians, lured to Nigeria with false promises of job opportunities, fell prey to a manipulative scheme by unknown perpetrators who exploited them for financial gain.
“Around 5:30 PM, the State Intelligence Department, with the invaluable support of tactical command teams, executed a search warrant at the site, which had been securely locked from the outside.
“This operation led to the arrest of nineteen (19) individuals, comprised of fourteen (14) men and five women, all young nationals from Ghana.
“During the investigation, it became clear that these individuals had been lured to Nigeria with false promises of job opportunities, falling prey to a manipulative scheme by unknown perpetrators who exploited them for financial gain.
“The victims provided critical information about their ordeals, significantly aiding the ongoing investigations.
“Following established protocols, the victims have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), for further investigations and to possibly reunite them with loved ones back in their country,” it was stated in the release.
The Oyo Police spokesperson disclosed that the state command remained dedicated to uncovering the identities of those responsible for the alarming situation.
He also assured that efforts were ongoing to gather intelligence and locate the individuals behind these heinous activities.
The Command assured the community that tranquility remained, and also reaffirmed its commitment to safety and security for all residents of Oyo State.
“We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities directly to the authorities,” it was added in the release.
The people of the state were encouraged to reach out to state Police Command, in case of emergency, using the following contacts:
Oyo State Call Response Centre (Toll-Free): 615! Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 09054133071, 09061299291