Ghana Arrests 53 Nigerians in Coordinated Cybercrime Operation

Ghanaian security agencies have arrested 53 Nigerian nationals following a large-scale, intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected cybercrime networks in parts of the Greater Accra Region.

The arrests followed investigations led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, which identified several residential locations allegedly being used as cybercrime centres. The affected areas include East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba.

According to Ghanaian authorities, intelligence gathered within 48 hours revealed that many young men, largely foreign nationals, were allegedly being coerced and exploited by suspected ringleaders to carry out online fraud and other cyber-related crimes. The operation was designed to safeguard Ghana’s digital infrastructure and protect its international reputation.

Acting on this intelligence, a joint task force made up of National Security operatives, the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department and the Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit carried out simultaneous raids between January 16 and 17, 2026.

During the operation, nine Nigerians were arrested as principal suspects believed to be coordinating the activities. An additional 44 Nigerians were rescued from various apartments and are suspected to be victims of human trafficking and forced cybercrime operations.

Security officials reported that the rescued individuals were found operating laptop computers in different apartments, pointing to a coordinated and organised network operating across multiple communities.

Searches conducted at the locations led to the seizure of items suspected to have been used for cybercrime, including 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones and two pump-action guns.

A location-based breakdown of the arrests shows five individuals were picked up in East Legon Hills, 11 in Afienya, 10 in Kwabenya, 10 in Weija and 17 in Tuba, bringing the total number of arrests to 53.

Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, confirmed that all arrested individuals have been profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for custody and further investigation.

He cautioned foreign nationals planning to travel to Ghana to be wary of false promises, particularly those linked to quick financial gains or dubious job offers. He also disclosed that individuals arrested in previous operations have either been handed over to Nigerian authorities through collaboration with INTERPOL or are currently facing prosecution in Ghanaian courts.

The minister stressed that protecting Ghana’s digital image remains a priority and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling organised cybercrime networks operating within the country.