Police Arrest 3 Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue 2 Ghanaians
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have rescued two kidnapped Ghanaian nationals and dismantled a major kidnapping syndicate operating across international borders.
The operation followed a report filed with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja on April 27, 2025, concerning the abduction of 48-year-old Ghanaian national Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo.
According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnapping stemmed from an elaborate Facebook romance scam. Advanced technical intelligence led police to a critical location linked to the suspects, prompting immediate tactical deployment.
Working in close coordination with the Ghana Police Service, the IRT identified a criminal network operating across both Nigeria and Ghana. A major breakthrough came with the arrest of 27-year-old Emeka Christian, a Nigerian resident in Bolgatanga, Ghana. Christian confessed to receiving a GH₵10,000 ransom payment through his Ghanaian mobile account, which he then transferred to a Nigerian bank account owned by one Peter Okoye.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Okoye on May 1, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was apprehended alongside two other syndicate members: Paulinus Chidokwe and Chinonso Okafor, both aged 35.
During the operation, police also rescued two kidnapped victims — Ms. Anastasia Arthur and another Ghanaian woman, Amaseerwaa Konadu. The women were reportedly held in dehumanising conditions and have since been taken to the hospital for medical care.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the swift and well-coordinated efforts of the officers involved. He emphasized that the successful rescue operation highlights the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment, in collaboration with international partners, to combating transnational crime and ensuring the safety of citizens and foreign nationals alike.
