Police confirm safe return of 2 Ghanaian women rescued from kidnappers in Nigeria

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has confirmed the safe return of two Ghanaian women who were recently rescued after being kidnapped and trafficked to Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing at the CID Headquarters in Accra, Director General of the CID DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor announced that Evelyn Serwaa Konadu and Anatasia Baidoo arrived safely at Kotoka International Airport on the morning of Friday, May 9.

Their rescue, according to the CID, was made possible through a joint operation involving the Ghana Police Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Signals Bureau.

“I am pleased to confirm that, earlier this morning, my team and I received the victims at Kotoka International Airport.”

“Both women are in stable condition and will receive the necessary medical attention,” DCOP Donkor stated.

Following their treatment, the victims are expected to assist with ongoing investigations by providing official accounts of their ordeal, according to the Police.

Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to public safety, the CID boss noted that the Service remains steadfast in its core mandate of crime prevention, detection, apprehension, and prosecution.

She also used the occasion to caution the public against the growing threat of romance scams and other forms of online fraud.

“We urge everyone to exercise heightened caution when interacting with unknown persons online.”

“Please refrain from sharing personal or financial information and report any suspicious behaviour to the Police immediately.”

Madam Donkor extended appreciation to all parties involved in the successful cross-border operation.

 “On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the entire Police Administration, I extend sincere appreciation to all officers who contributed to this successful operation. Our deepest gratitude also goes to the Nigeria Police Force and the National Signals Bureau for their invaluable support and cooperation.”

Investigations into the kidnapping and trafficking incident are ongoing.

Background

The two women were deceived into travelling to Nigeria after being promised marriage by individuals posing as white foreigners.

When they arrived in Port Harcourt on April 22, 2025, they were captured by a criminal group.

The victims endured brutal treatment, including beatings and death threats, as their captors demanded a ransom of GH₵500,000 each.

Disturbing videos of the abuse were circulated on social media and sent directly to their families to coerce them into paying the ransom.