Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerian nationals arrested during a multinational crackdown on cybercrime, with authorities alleging that the individuals had been trafficked to the country and forced to participate in cybercriminal activities.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the development in a post on X on Tuesday, expressing appreciation to the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for facilitating the return of the Nigerians.
The operation, codenamed Operation Cyberhunt, was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with intelligence and security agencies in Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
George said the operation resulted in the rescue of the 120 Nigerians, who were allegedly trafficked to Ghana and compelled to work in cybercrime setups.
The operation formed part of coordinated efforts by security agencies across the four countries to tackle cybercrime and investigate criminal networks operating across national borders.
During the operation, security operatives seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four motor vehicles. One of the vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada.
Investigators also recovered other digital equipment, valuable jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports during searches conducted as part of the operation.
The items recovered are expected to form part of the investigations into the activities of the suspected cybercrime networks. However, George did not provide further details about the identities of those arrested or the specific cybercrime activities they were allegedly involved in.
The Ghanaian minister disclosed that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution as investigations continued.
He did not state whether the eight individuals were among those repatriated or provide details of the charges they might face.
George commended the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for their role in facilitating the return of the 120 Nigerians, while acknowledging the cooperation of the intelligence and security agencies involved in the operation.
He also reiterated Ghana’s position against the use of its territory as a base for cybercriminal activities, saying the country would not provide a safe haven for cybercriminals under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
The operation highlights the cross-border dimension of cybercrime investigations and the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in identifying suspected criminal networks and addressing allegations of human trafficking.
Authorities have yet to provide further details about the identities of the repatriated Nigerians, the circumstances of their alleged trafficking or the next steps in investigations involving the recovered equipment. (NAN)
