By George Omagbemi
ACCRA, Ghana | October 14, 2026. Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerian nationals rescued during a major crackdown on suspected cybercrime operations, with authorities alleging that the individuals had been trafficked to the country and forced to participate in online criminal activities.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the development on Tuesday, October 13, following an intelligence-led operation known as Operation Cyberhunt.
The operation was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with local security and intelligence agencies and international partners from Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
According to the minister, the Nigerians were rescued from suspected cybercrime operations and returned home with assistance from the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence.
Authorities reportedly seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles during the operation. One of the vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada.
Investigators also recovered jewellery, 10 Nigerian passports and other digital equipment believed to be connected to the activities under investigation.
Sam George disclosed that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution, although authorities had not publicly provided full details of the suspected offences or identified those facing possible charges.
The minister said the operation demonstrated Ghana’s determination to prevent criminal networks from using the country as a base for cybercrime.
The development highlights the growing connection between cybercrime and human trafficking, in which people may be lured abroad with promises of employment before allegedly being coerced into fraudulent activities.
However, authorities have not disclosed the identities of the 120 Nigerians or provided individual accounts of their alleged recruitment and treatment.
The repatriation also underscores the importance of cooperation between African countries and international law enforcement agencies in combating cross-border crime while protecting trafficking victims.
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