93 Nigerians Arrested in Ghana Over Alleged Cybercrime, 73 Trafficking Victims Rescued

Authorities in Ghana have arrested 93 Nigerian nationals in Accra over alleged involvement in cybercrime and human trafficking, while rescuing 73 other Nigerians who were reportedly subjected to abuse and exploitation.

According to the Ghana Immigration Service, the rescued victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria following the operation.

The arrests were carried out during a coordinated raid on six residences located within the DEVTRACO Estate, believed to be the operational base of a suspected criminal network engaged in internet fraud and the unlawful confinement of victims.

Officials disclosed that 91 men and two women were among those arrested and are currently facing charges related to cybercrime and violations of immigration laws.

Leading the operation was Newman Akuffo, a Deputy Superintendent of Immigration with the GIS National Operations Unit, who confirmed that several items used in fraudulent activities were recovered during the raid.

Items seized by officers include 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit U.S. dollars, and fake gold bars believed to have been used in online scam operations.

Akuffo said the operation demonstrated Ghana’s determination to dismantle criminal networks exploiting communities through cybercrime and human trafficking.

He further revealed that some of the suspects allegedly entered Ghana through unauthorized border routes, while others had overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry granted to Nigerian citizens.

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service warned that suspects found guilty could face prosecution under the country’s Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalizes the recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of individuals for exploitation.

Under the law, offenders risk prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years, while cases involving children or other aggravating factors may attract life imprisonment.

Authorities also noted that violations of immigration regulations, including illegal entry or overstaying visas, could lead to fines or jail terms ranging from three months to two years.

The large-scale operation is being described as one of the biggest crackdowns on cybercrime and human trafficking networks in recent years, reflecting Ghana’s intensified efforts to curb criminal activities operating within residential areas.

The development comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigerians living abroad. Earlier this week, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) raised concerns over the detention of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique.

Chairman of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as disturbing and warned against actions that could be perceived as xenophobic, noting that the detained Nigerians were reportedly not linked to any proven offence.

The arrests in Ghana and similar incidents in other countries highlight the increasing global crackdown on cybercrime and human trafficking, while also drawing attention to the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by Nigerians living overseas.