"Efforts underway to safely return kidnapped Ghanaian victims from Nigeria" – DCOP Lydia Donkor

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that concerted efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of two Ghanaian women, Anastasia Badu-Atta and Evelyn Serwaa Konadu, who were recently rescued in Nigeria following a harrowing kidnapping ordeal.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, May 6, the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, disclosed that both victims and suspects are currently in the custody of Nigerian authorities.

“As of today, both suspects and victims are with the Nigerian authorities, and efforts are being made to transport the victims to Ghana,” DCOP Donkor stated.

She revealed that a joint operation involving the Ghana Police Service, the National Signals Bureau (NSB), and the Nigeria Police Force led to the successful rescue of the victims on May 1, 2025.

The two women had been featured in a distressing viral video that triggered national concern and widespread public outrage.

In total, eight suspects – five Ghanaians and three Nigerians – were arrested at various hideouts across both countries in connection with the case.

A ransom of GH₵500,000 had been demanded by the kidnappers, but DCOP Donkor said the victims’ families only managed to pay GH₵18,000 through various mobile money numbers before the arrests were made.

She further assured the public that the victims are in stable condition and have undergone routine medical examinations, according to updates received from Nigerian authorities.

DCOP Donkor concluded by stating that arrangements were also in place to extradite the suspects to Ghana to assist with ongoing investigations.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith