Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerians arrested during a crackdown on cybercrime, with authorities alleging that they were trafficked to the country and forced to participate in cybercrime activities.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday, expressing appreciation to the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for their roles in the repatriation.
The operation, codenamed Operation Cyberhunt, was spearheaded by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in partnership with intelligence and security agencies from Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
George said the operation led to the rescue of the 120 Nigerians, who were allegedly trafficked to Ghana and forced to work in cybercrime operations.
He 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.
“This sting operation, led by the #CSAGhana in conjunction with other intelligence and security agencies locally and in the UK, Nigeria and the US, led to the rescue of the 120 persons who had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to work in these cybercrime setups.
“This sting operation, led by the #CSAGhana in conjunction with other intelligence and security agencies locally and in the UK, Nigeria and the US, led to the rescue of the 120 persons who had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to work in these cybercrime setups.
Investigators also recovered other digital equipment, valuable jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.
“The operation seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connection devices, four motor vehicles, one of which was stolen from Canada, and other digital equipment. The search team also recovered high-value items, including jewellery and ten (10) Nigerian passports.”
George added that eight other individuals were undergoing processing for prosecution as investigations into the case continued.
He said Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama, would not allow the country to become a safe haven for cybercriminals.
“The team is processing 8 other persons for prosecution, and Ghana under President #JDMahama will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals. For God and Country, the statement added.”