The rescue operation was carried out by operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Akure, according to a statement by the command's spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade.

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the rescue of 40 Ghanaian nationals, including one David Angerinya, who were allegedly trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences. 

The rescue operation was carried out by operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Akure, according to a statement by the command's spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade.

Three suspects, identified as Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix, were equally arrested in connection with the human trafficking syndicate. 

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects are part of a larger transnational trafficking network that deceives individuals from neighbouring West African countries with promises of lucrative job opportunities and visa arrangements to Western nations.

He said that the police received a formal petition through the Interpol Liaison Office, Force Headquarters Abuja, requesting urgent intervention in the case. 

Acting swiftly, detectives from TIRS commenced a targeted investigation, leading to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the suspects.

The statement partly read: “Acting swiftly on the report, detectives from the TIRS, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, commenced a targeted investigation

“Subsequently, three principal suspects identified as Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex and Kojo Felix were apprehended, while the victim was successfully rescued during the operation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of a larger transnational trafficking syndicate that specialise in deceiving unsuspecting individuals, particularly from neighbouring West African countries. 

“The victims travelled to Nigeria with false assurances of lucrative job opportunities and visa arrangements to Canada and other Western nations,” he said.

The victims, including Angerinya, were lured to Nigeria with false promises of employment. Many of them were found without valid travel documents, while others presented expired ones. 

He said the police are working to apprehend the owners and caretakers of the buildings where the victims were harbored, who may have had knowledge of or directly facilitated the syndicate's activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency contact lines.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the command to combating human trafficking and all forms of transnational organised crime.

“The CP urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency contact lines,” Ayanlade said.