Authorities in Ghana have rescued 57 Nigerian nationals, aged between 18 and 26, from a suspected human-trafficking and cybercrime syndicate operating in an Accra suburb. The operation, carried out by the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the country’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, led to the arrest of five key suspects believed to be ringleaders of the network.
Police spokesperson Grace Ansah-Akrofi confirmed that the victims mostly young men were lured into Ghana with promises of lucrative job opportunities, only to be coerced into online fraud activities. “The victims were forced to participate in various forms of internet scams, including romance fraud and cryptocurrency-related fraud, under inhumane conditions,” she stated.
During the raid, officers seized 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, and several other electronic devices believed to have been used in perpetrating the crimes. Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate operated from multiple apartments in Accra and maintained links with criminal groups across West Africa.
Authorities say the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence sharing between Ghanaian and Nigerian security agencies. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical care and psychological support at a government shelter, while arrangements are being made for their repatriation to Nigeria.
Ghana’s Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, commended the swift response of the anti-trafficking team and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to dismantling cross-border criminal networks. “This rescue underscores our determination to protect all individuals within our borders, regardless of nationality, and to ensure that Ghana does not become a haven for human traffickers,” he said.
READ ALSO: Reps propose N’Assembly approval for EFCC chair removal
The Nigerian High Commission in Accra has expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian authorities for their intervention and pledged to work closely with local officials to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Human rights activists have since called for stricter immigration monitoring and increased regional cooperation to prevent similar incidents. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), West Africa remains a hotspot for transnational human trafficking, with young people often targeted through fake online job advertisements.
As investigations continue, the Ghana Police Service has urged members of the public to report suspicious recruitment schemes and online activities, warning that traffickers are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to deceive vulnerable youths.