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NAPTIP says 14 more Nigerians are awaiting repatriation after Ghanaian authorities rescued 119 people during an operation targeting cybercrime syndicates.
The Federal Government has received 105 Nigerians rescued during an operation targeting cybercrime syndicates in Ghana, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle human trafficking, exploitation and related 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, Ghanaian authorities rescued 119 Nigerians during the operation, while 105 have since returned to Nigeria. Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the return of the remaining 14.
The operation involved cooperation between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities to rescue the affected citizens and coordinate their safe return.
ONSA Coordinated Rescue Operation
NAPTIP said the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) coordinated the operation following a report from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
The agency led the Nigerian security and law enforcement institutions involved in the exercise.
Participating institutions included the Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also participated in the operation.
The agencies worked together to coordinate the return process and support the rescued Nigerians.
NAPTIP said the operation demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in tackling criminal networks and protecting Nigerians vulnerable to exploitation outside the country.
FG Begins Profiling And Reintegration
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 them to remain calm while officials conducted profiling and reintegration procedures.
According to NAPTIP, the exercise will help authorities establish the circumstances surrounding each person’s involvement with the syndicates and determine the protection, assistance and support required.
The process is also expected to help officials identify individual needs and guide appropriate reintegration measures.
The agency did not disclose the identities of the returnees or provide detailed information about the activities allegedly carried out by the cybercrime syndicates.
It also did not specify the individual circumstances that led each person to Ghana or whether any of the returnees had been charged with an offence.
NAPTIP Commends Ghana And International Partners
NAPTIP commended the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority and Ghana Immigration Service, for their roles in the operation.
The agency also acknowledged the contributions of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, ONSA, Nigerian security agencies and other partners.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with local and international organisations to combat human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Cross-border cooperation remains important in identifying criminal networks, rescuing vulnerable people and coordinating assistance for those returning home.
Agency Warns Nigerians About Suspicious Overseas Offers
NAPTIP urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering employment and other opportunities abroad.
The agency warned against offers promising unrealistic benefits, providing unclear job descriptions or involving questionable recruitment processes.
It advised prospective migrants to verify recruitment agencies, employment offers and the identities of prospective employers before travelling.
The warning comes as authorities continue efforts to address crimes involving Nigerians across international borders.
With 105 returnees already back in the country and 14 still awaiting repatriation, the government’s immediate priorities include completing the return process and assessing the support each person may require.
The operation also highlights the importance of protecting rescued individuals while investigating the criminal networks allegedly responsible for their exploitation.
