Nigeria Police trans-border kidnap gang operatives have dismantled a notorious syndicate and rescued two kidnapped Ghanaian nationals. This operation followed a collaborative international effort between Nigeria and Ghana.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday. According to him, the Nigeria Police received a report on April 27 from the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja about the abduction of a Ghanaian national, Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo.
The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) responded immediately after receiving the report. Acting swiftly, they tracked the suspects and rescued the two Ghanaian victims while arresting members of the syndicate responsible.
Investigators discovered that the abduction stemmed from a sophisticated Facebook love scam. Using advanced technical surveillance, the team identified a key location linked to the perpetrators and mobilized field officers for prompt action.
Working closely with the Ghana Police Service, the Nigerian operatives traced a criminal syndicate operating in both countries. Their investigation led them to Emeka Christian, a Nigerian living in Bolgatanga, Upper Eastern Ghana. He confessed to receiving GH₵10,000 in ransom money through his Ghanaian mobile account.
Christian further explained that he transferred the Naira equivalent to a Nigerian bank account owned by Peter Okoye. Following this lead, the operatives tracked Okoye to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and arrested him on May 1, 2025.
During the operation, the police also apprehended two accomplices — Paulinus Chidokwe and Chinonso Okafor. In the process, they rescued the two Ghanaian women, Ms. Anastasia Arthur (Baidoo) and Amaseerwaa Konadu, from captivity.
Medical teams have since admitted both victims to a hospital for proper care. The women had endured severe hardship under dehumanizing conditions while in the hands of their abductors.
Police are currently interrogating the suspects. Authorities have assured the public that once investigations conclude, they will prosecute those involved according to the law. ACP Adejobi reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s determination to eliminate cross-border criminal networks.
This case exposes how online scams like fake romantic relationships can escalate into dangerous real-life crimes. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in tackling organized kidnapping syndicates.
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