The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has received 105 Nigerians rescued during a coordinated operation targeting cybercrime syndicates in Ghana.
In a statement issued on Monday, the agency’s Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye, said the operation aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s citizen-focused policies.
Adekoye explained that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) coordinated the operation after receiving a report from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
NAPTIP led the Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies involved in the exercise. They included the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Other participating institutions were the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
According to Adekoye, the operation received commendation from various stakeholders, including civil society organisations and international partners.
He said the development demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians, particularly victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
Adekoye quoted the Ghanaian government as saying that 119 Nigerians were rescued during the operation. Of this number, 105 have been repatriated, while arrangements are ongoing for the remaining 14.
NAPTIP assures returnees of safety
The statement also quoted NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, as welcoming the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government and assuring them of their safety.
Adamu-Bello urged the survivors to remain calm as the government undertakes profiling and reintegration procedures. She said the agency’s engagement with them reflected its commitment to preserving their dignity.
She added that NAPTIP would continue to protect their welfare and ensure that each individual received assistance tailored to their circumstances.
The agency expressed appreciation to 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 (NCA), for their operational support.
“The agency specially thanks the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, and all partners whose collaboration made the operation a huge success.
“NAPTIP reaffirms its commitment to strengthening national and international cooperation against human trafficking and related forms of exploitation.
“It will continue to ensure that individuals identified during such operations receive appropriate screening, protection and support according to their circumstances,” Adamu-Bello said.
NAPTIP warns Nigerians against suspicious overseas offers
The NAPTIP director-general advised Nigerians to exercise extreme caution when considering employment, scholarship or other opportunities abroad.
She specifically warned them against offers involving unrealistic promises, unclear job descriptions or suspicious recruitment arrangements.
(NAN)