By Bukola Olamona

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have successfully rescued two Ghanaian women, including a 48-year-old identified as Anastasia Arthur, from the clutches of a trans-border kidnapping syndicate in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The victims were allegedly lured and abducted through a social media love scam.

The rescue operation took place on May 1, 2025, at around 1:22 p.m. during a sting operation by the Force’s Intelligence Response Team. The rescue followed a formal report made to the National Central Bureau in Abuja on April 27, 2025, regarding the disappearance of Ms. Arthur, also known as Baidoo.

In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olympia Adejobi, it was confirmed that the suspects—Peter Okoye, Paulinus Chidokwe (35), and Chinonso Okafor (35)—were arrested in Port Harcourt. The operation had earlier led to the arrest of one Emeka Christian, a 27-year-old Nigerian residing in Bolgatanga, Ghana. Christian reportedly confessed to receiving a ransom of GH₵10,000 through a Ghanaian mobile wallet, which was subsequently transferred to Okoye’s Nigerian bank account.

The victims were reportedly held under “dehumanising conditions” before their rescue, and they have since been taken to a hospital for treatment.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the kidnapping was orchestrated through a fraudulent online romantic relationship aimed at foreign nationals.

According to ACP Adejobi, the criminal gang had operatives in both Ghana and Nigeria, and the arrests were made possible through collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.

In response to the operation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their prompt action.

He reiterated the Force’s commitment to collaborating with international security agencies to combat transnational crime.

The IGP also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly online scams, to the nearest police station or official police contact points.