119 Nigerians Rescued From Cybercrime Operations in Ghana, 105 Repatriated
Ghana has rescued 119 Nigerians during an operation against cybercrime syndicates, while 105 of them have been returned to Nigeria for profiling and reintegration.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced the development in a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The agency disclosed that 14 other Nigerians remained in Ghana as local authorities continued processing their cases.
According to NAPTIP, the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser following a request for assistance from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
NAPTIP coordinated the Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies that participated in the exercise, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency.
Other agencies involved were the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, welcomed them and assured them that measures were being taken to safeguard their welfare.
She called on the returnees to remain calm while officials carried out profiling and reintegration procedures to establish their individual circumstances and determine the assistance they needed.
NAPTIP said the process would help ensure that each returnee received appropriate protection and support, with due regard for their dignity and personal welfare.
The agency praised the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority and Ghana Immigration Service, for their cooperation in the rescue operation.
It also recognised the contributions of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other Nigerian security and law enforcement partners.
The agency reiterated its commitment to tackling human trafficking and related forms of exploitation, adding that rescued individuals would receive appropriate screening and assistance according to their circumstances.
NAPTIP also warned Nigerians to exercise caution when considering overseas employment, scholarship opportunities and other offers that appear unusually attractive.
It advised prospective applicants to watch for vague job descriptions, unrealistic promises and questionable recruitment arrangements that could expose them to exploitation.
The development follows the return of 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The group arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday aboard South African Airways flight SA060.
The returnees comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NAPTIP, National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies received them.
