Ghanaian police have rescued 57 Nigerians who were victims of human trafficking and arrested five suspects accused of running a cybercrime and trafficking ring in the country, authorities announced on Thursday, October 23.
The rescue operation took place on Wednesday, October 22, when police raided a building in a suburb of Accra, the nation’s capital. According to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the victims, all aged between 18 and 26 were being held and forced to carry out online romance scams.
During the operation, police seized 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and other internet-connected devices believed to have been used for illegal activities.
Investigators revealed that the suspects had lured their victims with promises of high-paying jobs and better living conditions in Ghana. However, upon arrival, the victims were trapped and coerced into committing online fraud and other criminal activities.
“Upon arrival, the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other heinous activities,” the police statement read.
Authorities confirmed that all the rescued victims are currently receiving care and support while arrangements are being made for their repatriation to Nigeria.
Despite several police operations in recent years, the trafficking of West African nationals into Ghana for online scams and prostitution remains a serious issue.
A report released by Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection this year revealed that between 2023 and 2024, the agency secured 79 prosecutions and 54 convictions related to human trafficking cases.
