119 Nigerians held by suspected cybercrime networks in Ghana have been freed in a joint operation between both countries.
Of the total, 105 victims have been flown back to Nigeria, while 14 are still in Ghana awaiting clearance, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said on Monday.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesman Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP explained that Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority first raised the alarm, which prompted the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate a response.
The Nigerian High Commission in Accra worked with Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority on the ground, while NAPTIP, Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS, NIA, and the refugee commission NCFRMI handled reception at home. The UK National Crime Agency also provided support.
NAPTIP Director-General Binta Lami Adamu Bello received the 105 returnees at the airport and told them they were safe. She said the agency will screen each person individually to understand how they were recruited and what kind of rehabilitation, counselling and economic support they need.
NAPTIP did not reveal where in Ghana the victims were held or if any suspects were arrested during the raids, saying investigations are ongoing.
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