Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerians rescued during a cybercrime operation after authorities alleged they had been trafficked into the country and forced to take part in online criminal activities.
The operation, known as Operation Cyberhunt, also resulted in the seizure of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, four vehicles, internet connectivity devices and other digital equipment.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the development in a post on X on Tuesday.
George thanked the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for supporting the return of the 120 Nigerians to their home country.
He said Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority led the operation in collaboration with intelligence and security agencies from Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
According to the minister, the operation rescued Nigerians who were allegedly trafficked to Ghana and forced to work in facilities involved in cybercrime.
George wrote, “My sincere gratitude goes to the #ghana_airforce and the #modghana for facilitating the repatriation of 120 Nigerian nationals who were arrested during #OperationCyberhunt.”
Authorities also recovered four vehicles, including one reportedly stolen from Canada. Other seized items included internet connectivity devices, valuable jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.
George further disclosed that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution as investigations continued.
The minister said President John Dramani Mahama’s administration would not allow Ghana to become a safe haven for cybercriminals.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fighting cybercrime and working with international partners to tackle criminal activities that cross national borders.
The operation highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies in Ghana and other countries to disrupt cybercrime networks and address allegations of human trafficking linked to online criminal activities.
