Ghana Arrests 93 Nigerians, Rescues 73 Human Trafficking Victims
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Ghanaian authorities have arrested 93 Nigerians in Accra over suspected involvement in cybercrime and human trafficking, while rescuing 73 other Nigerians who were allegedly held under harsh and abusive conditions.
The arrests followed a coordinated operation carried out by the Ghana Immigration Service at the DEVTRACO Estate in Accra. Officials raided six houses believed to be linked to an organised network engaged in internet fraud and the illegal confinement of victims.
According to immigration authorities, the suspects include 91 men and two women who are currently being investigated for offences related to cybercrime and immigration violations. Meanwhile, the 73 rescued victims were repatriated to Nigeria after being freed from the alleged trafficking ring.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo, who supervised the operation through the GIS National Operations Unit, said security personnel recovered several items believed to be connected to fraudulent activities.
Items seized during the raid include 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit US dollars, and fake gold bars suspected to have been used to deceive victims and online targets.
Investigations also revealed that some of the suspects allegedly entered Ghana through unauthorised border routes, while others reportedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry period granted to Nigerian nationals.
The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service warned that those found guilty could face prosecution under Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act, which prescribes prison terms ranging from five to 20 years. In severe cases, including those involving minors, offenders may face life imprisonment.
Authorities added that immigration offences such as illegal entry or overstaying visas could attract additional penalties, including fines or jail terms of up to two years.
Officials described the operation as one of the largest recent crackdowns on cybercrime and human trafficking networks in Ghana, underscoring the country’s effort to dismantle organised criminal groups operating within residential communities.
The development comes amid increasing attention on arrests involving Nigerians abroad. Earlier in the week, reports emerged that dozens of Nigerians were detained at a spare parts market in Mozambique, a move the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission criticised as potentially xenophobic.
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