The Federal Government has said that over 200 Nigerians who were trafficked to Ghana will return to Nigeria on Friday, April 25, 2025.
According to the government, a total of 231 young Nigerians are expected to arrive in Lagos, after being rescued by Ghanaian authorities from a cybercrime ring.
Most of the victims were young men. They were found locked inside about 25 rooms at a residential estate in Accra, where they were forced to take part in internet fraud.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, visited Ghana and praised the country’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for their rescue efforts.
In a statement released by her media aide, Magnus Eze, the Minister said, “We thank the Ghanaian authorities for the way they treated our people and for their professional conduct during the rescue.”
She explained that the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana had raised the alarm after receiving reports about the situation.
The Minister said some victims had injuries and one of them had broken legs because he couldn’t pay back money from the criminal operation.
Calling the act “modern slavery,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned Nigerian youths not to fall for fake job offers abroad.
“This is a warning to others. Next time, you may not be lucky. It may be a country that does not have good relations with Nigeria, and you may end up in jail with no help,” she said.
She added that the government would help the rescued victims settle back into society.
“Use this chance to rebuild your lives. Join one of the many federal programs available to help young people,” she advised.
She also praised Nigerians in Ghana who are doing honest work, saying they make the country proud.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu, saying it puts the interest of citizens first.
Meanwhile, EOCO’s Executive Director, Bashiru Dapilah, said the agency received intelligence and quickly acted to break up the trafficking ring.
He said, “This is not just a Nigerian problem. Ghanaians were also involved. We have arrested the estate owner and others. They will face trial.”
He called for stronger cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria to track down all those behind the crime.
“As these people return home, we ask for help from Nigeria to arrest those who planned this from there,” Dapilah said.
He stressed that cross-border teamwork is needed to stop human trafficking and punish those involved.
