Ghana Repatriates 120 Nigerians Rescued From Cybercrime Networks

Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerians rescued during an intelligence-led operation targeting cybercrime networks, the country’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, has said.

George announced the development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 13, saying the Nigerians had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to participate in cybercrime operations.

The operation, known as Operation Cyberhunt, was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with local security and intelligence agencies, as well as counterparts in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

George thanked the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for facilitating the return of the Nigerians.

The operation also led to the seizure of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles, according to the minister.

Authorities also recovered jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports. One of the seized vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada.

George said eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution, although he did not disclose the specific offences they were expected to face.

The repatriation follows an earlier announcement by Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) that 105 Nigerians rescued during the operation had returned home, while 14 others were still undergoing processing as of October 12.

NAPTIP said the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser following contact from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.

The agency said the returnees would undergo profiling to establish their individual circumstances and determine the support required for their reintegration into society.

It also acknowledged the involvement of Nigerian security agencies, the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and international partners in the operation.

The circumstances surrounding the Nigerians’ recruitment and the specific cybercrime activities they were allegedly forced to carry out have not been fully disclosed by the authorities.