The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued 20 Ghanaians—10 males and 10 females—who were victims of human trafficking in the Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Uyo, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed that the victims were found in a compound located in Obio Etoi village, following a coordinated operation prompted by a formal request from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL.
“On August 18, 2025, operatives of the command successfully rescued 20 Ghanaians trafficked to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,” the statement read.
According to John, the police acted on credible intelligence and raided the location around 4:17 PM on Monday. The building, described as a well-fenced compound, was surrounded and searched, leading to the discovery and rescue of all 20 individuals—whose identities remain withheld.
Following their rescue, the victims were reported to be in a disoriented state and unable to communicate effectively with investigators. Authorities suspect the victims may have been hypnotised or subjected to psychological trauma.
“The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information, leading investigators to suspect they might have been hypnotised,” the statement added.
An investigation into the trafficking network is currently ongoing. The police assured that further updates will be made public as more information becomes available.
