Ghanaian authorities have rescued 119 Nigerians during an operation targeting suspected cybercrime syndicates. Of these, 105 of the victims were initially repatriated to Nigeria.
According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser. This followed a request for assistance from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, NAPTIP disclosed that the remaining 14 Nigerians were undergoing processing by Ghanaian authorities.
NAPTIP receives 105 rescued Nigerians
The agency explained that several Nigerian security and law enforcement organisations participated in the rescue operation.
They included the Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also supported the exercise.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Lami Adamu Bello assured them of their safety.
She urged them to remain calm while officials conducted profiling and reintegration assessments. These assessments would determine their individual circumstances and support needs.
NAPTIP commends international security agencies
The agency praised Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Immigration Service and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency. These organisations supported the operation.
It also acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser and other participating security organisations.
NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting Nigerians exposed to exploitation abroad.
The agency explained that rescued individuals would undergo appropriate screening. This would establish whether they had been trafficked, coerced or otherwise exploited.
It assured the returnees that their welfare and dignity would remain priorities throughout the reintegration process.
Ghana reports additional repatriations
In a subsequent update on Tuesday, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced that 120 Nigerians had been repatriated. This followed Operation Cyberhunt.
George said the individuals had allegedly been trafficked into Ghana and forced to participate in cybercrime operations.
He disclosed that security personnel recovered 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, four vehicles and other equipment during the operation.
The minister added that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution.
Ghanaian authorities have not publicly reconciled the minister’s figure of 120 repatriated Nigerians with NAPTIP’s earlier report of 119 people rescued.
NAPTIP warns Nigerians against suspicious offers
NAPTIP urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering employment, scholarship and other opportunities abroad.
The agency warned against recruitment offers involving unrealistic promises, unclear job descriptions or suspicious arrangements.
It maintained that cooperation between Nigerian and international security agencies remained essential to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable citizens.
The agency also pledged to continue providing assistance to Nigerians rescued from exploitation outside the country.
