231 Nigerians Rescued from Human Trafficking in Ghana to Return to Lagos on Friday
A total of 231 Nigerians are expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday after being rescued from a major human trafficking operation in Ghana that saw 219 young Nigerians coerced into cybercrime. The rescue was facilitated by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
In a statement released on Thursday, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended the Ghanaian authorities for their professionalism and humane handling of the victims. She described the successful operation as a powerful example of international cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
According to the Minister, the victims were held in about 25 rooms within an estate where they were forced to engage in cybercriminal activities. Many had been confined for weeks with limited exposure to sunlight, and several showed signs of abuse—including one victim whose legs were reportedly broken for withholding proceeds from cybercrime.
“Trafficking is modern-day slavery—inhumane and barbaric,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, warning Nigerian youth to be cautious of suspicious job offers abroad, many of which are fronts for trafficking syndicates.
She praised EOCO’s decision not to criminalize the victims but instead prioritize their safe return, expressing hope that the returnees would take advantage of available government rehabilitation and skill acquisition programs.
“East or West, home is best. Give your government a chance to equip you with valuable skills when you return,” she advised.
EOCO’s Executive Director, Mr. Bashiru Dapilah, stated that the operation was intelligence-led and acknowledged the role of law-abiding Nigerians in Ghana in uncovering the crime. He noted that some Ghanaians were also involved in the trafficking ring, including the owner of the estate where the victims were confined, who has since been arrested and will face prosecution.
“We have a large Nigerian population here, many of whom are contributing positively to the Ghanaian economy. It’s important not to stereotype,” Dapilah added.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, revealed that over three million Nigerians currently reside in Ghana. He emphasized the need for stronger bilateral efforts and awareness campaigns to prevent future cases of human trafficking.
