Ghana police arrest Nigerians and dozens of other suspects during anti-narcotics raids in the Upper East Region

The Ghana Police Service has arrested eight Nigerians alongside 66 other suspects during a series of intelligence-led anti-narcotics and crime suppression operations in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

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According to a statement issued by the police on Monday, the operations targeted narcotics trafficking, violent crimes and other criminal activities within border communities and identified crime hotspots.

The first operation was carried out on May 20, 2026, at Paga within the Ghana–Burkina Faso border buffer zone, leading to the arrest of 40 suspects made up of 28 males and 12 females.

Police said the suspects comprised 23 Ghanaians, eight Nigerians, six Burkinabés, one Malian and one Togolese national.

The statement added that officers recovered several parcels and sacks of suspected narcotic substances as well as five motorbikes allegedly used for distribution activities.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of 40 suspects, comprising 28 males and 12 females,” the statement read.

“The suspects include 23 Ghanaians, 8 Nigerians, 6 Burkinabés, 1 Malian, and 1 Togolese national.”

Ghana police arrest Nigerians and other foreign nationals as part of intensified operations aimed at tackling cross-border crimes and illegal drug activities in the region.

A separate operation conducted on May 22 within the Navrongo Municipality led to the arrest of 34 additional suspects, including 32 males and two females.

Police also recovered 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected narcotic substances and assorted foreign cigarettes during the raids.

According to the statement, the suspects were arraigned before High Court Two presided over by Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie on the same day.

The police said 16 suspects were remanded in custody and are expected to reappear before the court on June 4, 2026, while 22 others are currently undergoing profiling for further action.

“All the suspects remain in police custody assisting investigations, while efforts continue to identify and arrest other persons connected to criminal activities within the affected areas,” the statement added.

The latest crackdown comes months after Ghanaian authorities arrested 93 Nigerians in Accra over alleged cybercrime and human trafficking activities.

Reports at the time indicated that 91 men and two women were arrested during coordinated operations targeting a network allegedly involved in internet fraud and unlawful detention.

Authorities also rescued 73 Nigerians who were reportedly subjected to torture and abuse before being repatriated to Nigeria.