The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has rescued 20 Ghanaians, suspected to have been trafficked into Uyo, and raised concerns that the victims may have been hypnotised.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that 10 men and 10 women were freed from a compound in Obio Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area.
She said the operation, which took place at about 4:17 pm on Monday, August 18, 2025, followed a formal request for help from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL.
“On August 18, 2025, operatives of the Command successfully rescued 20 Ghanaians trafficked to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The victims, made up of 10 males and 10 females (names withheld), were rescued from a compound in Obio Etoi village after a joint operation following a request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL,” the statement read.
DSP John noted that officers acted on credible intelligence and surrounded the well-fenced compound before gaining access to rescue the foreigners.
She added that the condition of the victims has left investigators worried.
“The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information, leading investigators to suspect they may have been hypnotised. Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public as they become available,” she said.
The rescued victims are currently under police care, while security officials continue to trace those behind the trafficking ring.
