The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has rescued 20 Ghanaians from a suspected human trafficking hideout in Uyo.
The victims, comprising 10 men and 10 women, were discovered in a compound at Obio Etoro village, Uyo Local Government Area, following a raid by operatives of the command.
DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development in a statement issued to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday.
She said the operation was carried out on Monday, August 18, after the police received credible intelligence and a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and Interpol.
“The victims were rescued from a compound in Obio Etoro village, in Uyo after an operation that was a collaborative effort following a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and Interpol.
“Acting on credible information, operatives surrounded a well-fenced building at about 4:17 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. The raid led to the rescue of 10 males and 10 females (names withheld), all confirmed to be Ghanaian nationals,” John stated.
She disclosed that the victims appeared disoriented and had been unable to provide investigators with useful information, raising suspicions that they may have been hypnotised.
The police spokesperson added that investigations into the incident were ongoing, while promising that further updates would be made available as soon as possible.