The Akwa Ibom State Government has successfully repatriated 44 Ghanaian nationals rescued from human trafficking camps located in Umo Ekpo, Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo Local Government Area. The group, consisting of 27 males and 17 females, was handed over to Leslie Lawson of the Ghana High Commission at the Department of State Security (DSS) operational office in Uyo.
Speaking at the handover on Friday, March 20, 2026, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princes Emem Ibanga, highlighted the state government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and ensuring a secure environment for residents. “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 stated.
The Commissioner explained that under the leadership of the Governor, security has remained a top priority through: strengthened collaboration with security agencies, effective intelligence sharing and rapid response to threats, continuous investment in security infrastructure and logistics, community-based security engagement empowering local residents to serve as the first line of defense, and a zero-tolerance approach toward criminality, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and organized crime.
Princess Ibanga further elaborated that the rescued victims had been held under harsh conditions after being defrauded, coerced, and lured into the state with false promises of opportunities in Europe. “Upon their rescue, the State government provided care and succour to the victims and initiated the process of their safe return to reunite with their families,” she said.
The Commissioner commended the Department of State Security and other security agencies for their role in outsmarting the human trafficking syndicate and ensuring the safe release of the victims from the designated camps.
One of the rescued individuals, Gideon Yeboah, recounted his ordeal, revealing that he had been defrauded of 30,000 Ghanaian Cedis and held hostage since February 25 at a camp in Ifuho community, Ikot Ekpene.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien, rtd, expressed satisfaction with the operation and cautioned the public to remain vigilant against too-good-to-be-true offers, even from people they know.
The successful repatriation underscores Akwa Ibom State Government’s proactive stance against human trafficking and its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable persons from criminal syndicates. Authorities have reaffirmed their determination to continue collaborating with national and international agencies to prevent similar incidents and protect human lives.
