NPF BURSTS TRANS-BORDER KIDNAP SYNDICATE, RESCUES TWO GHANAIAN WOMEN
By Opeyemi Olugbemi
In a significant breakthrough against transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismantled a cross-border kidnapping syndicate and rescued two Ghanaian nationals who were abducted in a Facebook-related scam.
The operation, led by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the NPF, followed a report received by the National Central Bureau, Abuja, on April 27, 2025, concerning the kidnap of 48-year-old Ghanaian citizen, Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo.
Investigations revealed that the abduction stemmed from an elaborate online love scam. Technical surveillance led operatives to uncover a criminal network stretching between Ghana and Nigeria. Working in close coordination with the Ghanaian Police Service, officers arrested Emeka Christian, 27, a Nigerian living in Bolgatanga, Ghana. He confessed to receiving a ransom of GH₵10,000, which was later traced to a Nigerian bank account owned by one Peter Okoye.
On May 1, IRT operatives apprehended Okoye in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, alongside syndicate members Paulinus Chidokwe and Chinonso Okafor, both 35. During the raid, operatives rescued the kidnapped Ms. Arthur and another Ghanaian woman, Amaseerwaa Konadu, from inhumane captivity. Both victims have since been hospitalized for medical care.
The suspects are currently under investigation and will face prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the swift and coordinated operation, emphasizing the NPF’s commitment to combating organized crime in collaboration with international partners. He also warned the public to stay vigilant against online relationship scams and urged citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.
