The rescued Nigerians Photo: NAPTIP
Ghanaian authorities have rescued 119 Nigerians in an operation targeting cybercrime syndicates, with 105 of them repatriated to Nigeria.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons disclosed this in a statement on Monday, adding that the remaining 14 Nigerians were still undergoing processing by the Ghanaian authorities.
According to the agency, the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser following a request for assistance from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
NAPTIP said it led the Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies involved in the operation, including 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 agencies included the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, alongside other partners.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, welcomed them and assured them of their safety.
She urged the returnees to remain calm as the government commenced profiling and reintegration processes to determine their individual needs and circumstances.
According to the agency, the exercise underscored its commitment to protecting the dignity and welfare of the returnees and ensuring that each person received appropriate assistance.
NAPTIP commended the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and the Ghana Immigration Service, as well as the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, for their operational support.
The agency also acknowledged the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, and other partners for their collaboration in making the operation successful.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking and related forms of exploitation, NAPTIP said it would ensure that individuals identified during such operations received appropriate screening, protection and support based on their circumstances.
The agency also urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering employment, scholarship and other opportunities abroad, particularly offers involving unrealistic promises, vague job descriptions or suspicious recruitment arrangements.
The development comes shortly after another batch of 111 distressed Nigerians was evacuated from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday aboard South African Airways flight SA060.
The group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children and was received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NAPTIP, the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant Federal Government agencies.