Oyo Police Rescue 19 Ghanaians, Warn Against Cult Violence

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued 19 Ghanaian nationals who were trafficked into Nigeria under false promises of employment.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Osifeso Adewale, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the rescue operation was carried out on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

He explained that officers acted on credible intelligence regarding suspicious activity in a building located in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA).

According to him, the State Intelligence Department, supported by tactical teams, executed a search warrant at the premises around 5:30 PM. The building had reportedly been locked from the outside.

“This operation led to the arrest of nineteen (19) individuals, comprised of fourteen men and five women, all young nationals from Ghana,” he said.

Investigations revealed that the victims were lured into Nigeria through deceptive offers of job opportunities. The perpetrators, whose identities remain unknown, allegedly exploited the individuals for financial gain.

Adewale said the rescued victims provided key testimonies that are assisting ongoing investigations.

The police have since transferred the group to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further handling and possible repatriation.

Meanwhile, the Command has issued a security alert over the anticipated July 7 Founders’ Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (commonly referred to as Black Axe), warning of possible violence.

“Our intelligence-led policing and community partnership efforts have yielded vital information suggesting that rival gangs may engage in large-scale retribution and mayhem during this event,” the statement read.

The police expressed concern that the Neo-Black Movement might exploit the occasion to initiate attacks that could escalate into widespread public disorder.

As part of preemptive efforts, officers held sensitization meetings with hoteliers, lounge operators, and short-let managers, urging them not to permit their facilities to be used for cult-related activities.

“The safety of all residents remains our highest priority. We therefore call on parents, guardians, community leaders, and influential figures to collaborate with law enforcement in mitigating these risks,” the statement continued.

The Command appealed to residents to educate youths on the dangers of cultism and the legal consequences of engaging in criminal gatherings.

“To ensure swift response and maintain order, arrangements have been concluded for the deployment of police officers across strategic locations within the state during this period.”

The police reaffirmed their commitment to public safety through professional intelligence-based operations and called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.