The Nigeria Police Force has successfully neutralised a trans-border kidnapping syndicate, rescuing two Ghanaian nationals, including Anastasia Arthur, a 48-year-old woman, who had been abducted in a sophisticated Facebook love scam.

The operation, which took place after a report was filed with the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja on April 27, 2025, highlights the growing efforts of Nigerian law enforcement to combat international criminal networks.

According to ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force, the initial investigation into Ms. Arthur’s kidnapping revealed that the crime was orchestrated through an online romance scam.

The operation resulted in the identification of a criminal syndicate with members operating across both Ghana and Nigeria.

“Key breakthroughs in the investigation included the arrest of one Emeka Christian, a 27-year-old Nigerian national residing in Bolgatanga, Upper Eastern Ghana, who confessed to receiving GH 10,000 Cedis as ransom money for the victim through his Ghanaian mobile account. He further admitted to transferring the Naira equivalent to a Nigerian bank account belonging to one Peter Okoye.

“On May 1, 2025, at approximately 1:22 PM, IRT operatives successfully tracked Peter Okoye, the prime suspect, to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The suspect was apprehended along with members of his syndicate: Paulinus Chidokwe, 35, and Chinonso Okafor, 35. Two Ghanaian women, Ms. Anastasia Arthur aka Baidoo and Amaseerwaa Konadu, who were victims of these abductors, were rescued in the process.

“The victims have been taken to the hospital for proper treatment, having been held under dehumanising circumstances, while the suspects are currently undergoing investigation, and upon conclusion, those involved will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the officers for their swift and coordinated operation, which led to the successful rescue of these foreign nationals. This achievement underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and, in collaboration with its international partners, to combat transnational crime and ensure the safety and security of all individuals within and beyond our borders.

“The Nigeria Police Force urges the public to be wary of online romance scams and report any suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency, particularly the Nigeria Police Force via our contact handles,” Adejobi said.