The Federal Government has received 105 Nigerians rescued during a coordinated operation against cybercrime syndicates in Ghana, as authorities begin processes to establish their identities, assess their circumstances and facilitate their reintegration.
The returnees were among 119 Nigerians rescued during the operation, according to the Ghanaian government. While 105 have been repatriated to Nigeria, arrangements are ongoing to process the remaining 14.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced the development on Monday, October 12, saying the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following a request for collaboration from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
NAPTIP led a team of Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies in the operation, with participation from 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 participants included the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and relevant partner organisations.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Nigerian government, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, Director-General of NAPTIP, welcomed them home and assured them of their safety as authorities commence the necessary screening and support procedures.
She urged the returnees to remain calm while the government undertakes profiling and reintegration processes designed to determine their individual needs and circumstances.
The agency said the approach was intended to protect the dignity and welfare of the returnees while ensuring that those requiring assistance receive appropriate support.
The operation highlights growing regional and international cooperation in tackling cybercrime-related exploitation, human trafficking and irregular migration, particularly where vulnerable Nigerians may be exposed to deceptive recruitment arrangements or other forms of abuse.
NAPTIP commended the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and the Ghana Immigration Service, for their roles in the operation.
It also acknowledged the support of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, and other partners.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation to combat human trafficking and related forms of exploitation, adding that individuals identified during such operations would undergo appropriate screening and receive protection and support based on their circumstances.
NAPTIP also urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering employment, scholarship and other opportunities abroad.
It warned prospective travellers against offers that promise unrealistic benefits, provide unclear job descriptions or involve suspicious recruitment arrangements, noting that such circumstances should prompt careful scrutiny before commitments are made.
The agency encouraged Nigerians to verify overseas opportunities and recruitment arrangements to reduce their exposure to exploitation and trafficking.
The repatriation comes amid continued efforts by Nigerian authorities and their international partners to protect citizens exposed to trafficking, fraudulent recruitment and other forms of transnational exploitation.
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