Ghana Police Confirm Safe Return of Women Kidnapped in Nigeria

Ghana Police confirm the safe return of two women kidnapped in Nigeria after being lured by marriage proposals. Following a coordinated operation with Nigerian authorities, the women were rescued and are now in stable condition. The police have issued warnings about the rising incidence of online romance scams and stressed the importance of public vigilance.

In a significant development, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed the safe return of two women, Evelyn Serwaa Konadu and Anatasia Baidoo, who were kidnapped in Nigeria. The women were reportedly lured with marriage proposals, which led to their abduction. A collaborative effort involving the National Signals Bureau (NSB) and the Nigeria Police Force culminated in their rescue on May 1, 2025.

A shocking video that circulated widely showed the women in distress, subjected to torture by their captors, who were demanding a ransom of GH₵500,000 for each. The distressing situation captured the public’s attention, raising concerns about safety and online schemes targeting vulnerable individuals. On May 9, 2025, at a media briefing, Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, announced the safe return, noting the women were received at Kotoka International Airport in the morning.

According to DCOP Donkor, both women are in stable condition and are set to undergo medical evaluations. They will also participate in standard police procedures, allowing them to recount their experiences to assist with ongoing investigations related to the kidnapping. The police expressed their relief and satisfaction upon reuniting the victims with their families. “As we stated then, arrangements were underway to safely transport the victims back to Ghana. I am pleased to confirm that, earlier this morning, my team and I received the victims at Kotoka International Airport,” the police reported.

The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the country remains a secure environment for all citizens. They highlighted the importance of crime prevention, detection, and prosecution as part of their core mandates. Additionally, law enforcement officials emphasized the urgent need for public awareness regarding online romance scams that have surged in recent months. They cautioned the public against sharing personal information with strangers online.

In a message to the community, the police urged individuals to remain vigilant while engaging with unknown persons via digital platforms. “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 behavior to the Police immediately,” the warning stated.

In a show of gratitude, the police department acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various groups that played a crucial role in the successful 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,” they noted, further expressing gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force for their cooperation.

The safe return of the two kidnapped Ghanaian women underscores the ongoing challenges posed by online scams and the necessity for vigilant public awareness. The Ghana Police Service’s collaborative efforts with their Nigerian counterparts highlight the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling crime, providing hope for enhancing safety measures in the future. Authorities continue urging the public to remain cautious while navigating online interactions to prevent further incidents of a similar nature.

Original Source: 3news.com