FG receives 105 Nigerians rescued from cybercrime syndicates in Ghana

The Federal Government has received 105 Nigerians rescued during an operation targeting cybercrime syndicates in Ghana, as authorities intensify efforts to combat human trafficking, exploitation and other crimes involving Nigerians abroad.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye.

According to the agency, the returnees were among 119 Nigerians rescued by the Ghanaian government during an operation against cybercrime syndicates in the West African country.

NAPTIP said 105 of the rescued Nigerians had been repatriated to Nigeria, while efforts were ongoing to facilitate the return of the remaining 14.

The operation involved collaboration between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities, with the Federal Government coordinating efforts to rescue the affected Nigerians and ensure their safe return.

Operation coordinated by ONSA

NAPTIP explained that the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following a report from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.

The agency led the Nigerian security and law enforcement institutions involved in the exercise, which included the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

Other participating institutions were the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

The involvement of the various agencies was aimed at facilitating cooperation between the two countries, coordinating the return process and ensuring that the rescued Nigerians received the necessary assistance.

NAPTIP said the operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration among security agencies and international partners in addressing crimes that expose Nigerians to exploitation outside the country.

FG begins profiling, reintegration of returnees

Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, welcomed them and assured them of their safety.

She urged the returnees to remain calm while the relevant authorities carried out profiling and reintegration procedures.

According to the agency, the process would enable officials to establish the circumstances surrounding each person’s involvement with the syndicates and determine the assistance, protection and support required.

The profiling exercise is also expected to help authorities identify the individual needs of the returnees and guide decisions on appropriate reintegration measures.

NAPTIP stressed the importance of assessing the circumstances of those rescued to ensure that the necessary support could be provided as they resumed their lives in Nigeria.

The agency did not disclose further details about the identities of the returnees or the specific activities allegedly carried out by the cybercrime syndicates.

NAPTIP commends Ghana, international partners

The agency commended the Ghanaian authorities for their role in the operation, particularly the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and the Ghana Immigration Service.

It also acknowledged the contributions of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security agencies and other partners who supported the exercise.

NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to working with local and international organisations to combat human trafficking and related forms of exploitation.

The agency noted that cross-border cooperation remained important in addressing criminal networks and protecting Nigerians who might be vulnerable to exploitation in foreign countries.

It also called on Nigerians to exercise caution when considering employment and other opportunities abroad, warning against offers that appear too attractive to be genuine.

“Nigerians should be cautious of opportunities abroad that promise unrealistic benefits, have unclear job descriptions or involve questionable recruitment processes,” the agency stated.

The warning underscores the need for prospective migrants to verify recruitment agencies, employment offers and the identities of prospective employers before travelling abroad.

NAPTIP urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid questionable arrangements that could expose them to criminal networks, exploitation or other forms of abuse.