93 Nigerians arrested and 73 rescued in Accra as Ghana cracks down on cybercrime and human trafficking networks

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 93 Nigerians over alleged cybercrime and human trafficking activities in Accra, while rescuing 73 other Nigerians reportedly subjected to torture and abuse.

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According to a report by ABC News GH, citing the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), 91 men and two women face charges related to cybercrime and immigration violations.

The rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria.

The arrests followed coordinated raids on six houses in the DEVTRACO Estate, targeting a network allegedly involved in internet fraud and unlawful detention of individuals.

Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo, who led the operation under the GIS National Operations Unit, said officers recovered 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit US dollars, and fake gold bars believed to have been used in fraudulent schemes.

“The operation demonstrates our commitment to rooting out criminal networks exploiting our communities,” Akuffo said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that some suspects entered Ghana through unauthorised border routes, while others overstayed their 90-day visa-free entry granted to Nigerians.

The Comptroller-General of GIS warned that violators risk prosecution under Ghana Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalises recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of individuals for exploitation through force, fraud, or abuse.

Offenders may face five to 20 years in prison, with life imprisonment applicable in cases involving children or aggravating circumstances.

Violations of Ghana’s immigration laws, including illegal entry or overstaying, may result in fines or jail terms ranging from three months to two years.

This intervention is one of the largest anti-fraud and anti-human trafficking operations in recent years, underscoring Ghana’s intensified efforts to dismantle cybercrime networks in residential areas.

The crackdown comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigerians abroad.

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Earlier this week, 42 Nigerians were reportedly detained at a spare parts market in Mozambique, an action condemned by the Abike Dabiri-Erewa as potentially xenophobic, particularly since no offences were reportedly levied against them.