The Nigeria Police Force, through its Intelligence Response Team (IRT), has successfully rescued two kidnapped Ghanaian nationals and arrested three key suspects involved in the cross-border kidnapping syndicate.
The operation followed the abduction of Anastasia Arthur, a 48-year-old Ghanaian, who was kidnapped as part of a sophisticated Facebook love scam. A report was filed with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja on April 27, 2025, prompting immediate investigations. Advanced technical analysis led to a breakthrough, identifying a criminal syndicate operating in both Nigeria and Ghana.
During the investigation, Emeka Christian, a 27-year-old Nigerian, was arrested in Ghana after receiving a ransom payment for the victim. He revealed that the ransom money had been transferred to a Nigerian bank account belonging to Peter Okoye.
On May 1, 2025, Okoye and two other suspects, Paulinus Chidokwe (35) and Chinonso Okafor (35), were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The victims, including Anastasia Arthur and Amaseerwaa Konadu, were rescued and provided with medical treatment after enduring harsh conditions during their captivity.
The swift action, supported by Ghanaian authorities, highlights the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating transnational crime. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the team for the successful operation and stressed the importance of international cooperation to ensure the safety of all citizens. The suspects are currently under investigation.
