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Abuja – Ghanaian authorities rescued 219 young Nigerians forced into cybercrime, the Nigerian government confirmed. This cross-border operation freed the Nigerians rescued in Ghana from traffickers. About 231 individuals, including victims and suspected traffickers, are expected back in Lagos on Friday.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, visited Accra to thank Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO). She noted EOCO’s professionalism and the treatment of the victims.
Forced Labour and Abuse Uncovered
The rescued Nigerians were held captive in about 25 rooms within an estate in Ghana. They were forced into online fraud. Many had physical injuries inflicted by captors demanding cybercrime proceeds, including reported broken bones. The rescue of the Nigerians in Ghana revealed these conditions.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery—inhumane and barbaric,” stated Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu. She warned Nigerian youth about suspicious job offers abroad, calling many of them traps set by traffickers.
Ghana-Nigeria Teamwork Key to Success
This operation succeeded due to cooperation between Ghana’s EOCO and Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged this joint effort.
EOCO Executive Director, Mr. Bashiru Dapilah, mentioned assistance from law-abiding Nigerians in Ghana. He also confirmed Ghanaians were involved, including the arrested estate owner. He called for stronger Ghana-Nigeria ties to combat transnational crime and bring perpetrators involved in cases like the Nigerians rescued in Ghana to justice.
NAPTIP will receive the returnees in Lagos. Victims are encouraged to use government rehabilitation and skills programs. Further investigations are planned.
Abiodun Labi
