The Oyo State Police Command has rescued 19 Ghanaian nationals who were victims of suspected human trafficking through a targeted operation in Ibadan.

The command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, said in a statement on Sunday that the victims, 14 men and 5 women, were all young Ghanaians lured to Nigeria under false promises of job opportunities.

He said the victims fell prey to a manipulative scheme orchestrated by unknown individuals who exploited them for financial gain.

“The investigation was initiated based on credible intelligence concerning suspicious activities at a building in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan,” Osifeso said.

He said the State Criminal Intelligence Department (CID), with vital support from tactical command teams, executed a search warrant at the premises, which had been securely locked from the outside.

“This operation led to the rescue of 19 individuals, all young Ghanaian nationals,” he said.

In line with established protocols, he said the victims have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further investigation and possible repatriation to their families in Ghana.

Osifeso assured that the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to uncovering and bringing to justice those responsible for what he described as an alarming and exploitative situation.