In a major crackdown on transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a cross-border kidnapping syndicate and successfully rescued two Ghanaian nationals held captive by the network.
Following a report lodged with the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja on 27 April 2025, concerning the abduction of Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo, a 48-year-old Ghanaian national, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) launched a swift and coordinated operation that led to the rescue of the victims and arrest of key syndicate members.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said investigations revealed that Ms. Baidoo’s abduction stemmed from an elaborate Facebook love scam. Through advanced technical analysis, operatives traced leads to locations linked to the perpetrators. In collaboration with the Ghanaian Police Service, the IRT uncovered a transnational kidnapping syndicate operating between Nigeria and Ghana.
A significant breakthrough came with the arrest of Emeka Christian, 27, a Nigerian national residing in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region of Ghana. Christian confessed to receiving GH₵10,000 in ransom through his Ghanaian mobile account, which he later transferred to a Nigerian bank account belonging to Peter Okoye.
On 1 May 2025, at approximately 1:22 PM, IRT operatives tracked Okoye to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was arrested alongside two accomplices — Paulinus Chidokwe, 35, and Chinonso Okafor, 35. During the operation, two Ghanaian women — Ms. Anastasia Arthur (aka Baidoo) and Amaseerwaa Konadu — were rescued. Both victims, found in dehumanizing conditions, have been taken to hospital for medical care, while the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their swift and effective response, noting that the success reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime through robust international collaboration.
The Force also urged the public to remain vigilant against online romance scams and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest law enforcement agency or through official Nigeria Police contact channels.
