Amanze Chinonye
Ghana has returned 120 Nigerians allegedly trafficked into the country and compelled to participate in cybercrime activities, Communications Minister Sam George said, as authorities continue investigations into suspected criminal networks.
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George said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that the repatriation followed Operation Cyberhunt, a joint enforcement effort involving Ghanaian security agencies and international partners. He credited the Ghana Air Force and Ministry of Defence with facilitating the return of the Nigerians.
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The operation resulted in the seizure of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles, George said. One of the vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada. Investigators also recovered jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.
Eight other people were being processed for prosecution, the minister said, without identifying them or specifying the offences they could face. Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) said investigations into the suspects and equipment seized during the operation were continuing.
George said the government was determined to prevent Ghana from becoming a base for cybercriminals.
“Ghana under President John Dramani Mahama will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals,” he said.
The operation was coordinated by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, with support from domestic security agencies and international partners, including the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. It targeted suspected cybercrime activities in parts of the Greater Accra Region, including online fraud schemes.
The operation has also drawn attention to the links between human trafficking and cybercrime. People recruited or transported under false pretences may be forced to carry out online fraud, although authorities have not disclosed detailed findings on the circumstances of the repatriated Nigerians or their individual roles in the suspected activities.
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Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said on October 12 that it had received 105 Nigerians rescued during the operation. The agency, through its Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye, had earlier cited a total of 119 Nigerians rescued by Ghanaian authorities.
The figures differ from George’s announcement that 120 Nigerians had been repatriated.
NAPTIP said the returnees would undergo profiling and reintegration procedures to assess their circumstances and identify the support they might need.
Further details on the eight individuals facing possible prosecution, the suspected offences and the outcome of the ongoing investigations have not been made public.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
