FG commends Ghana for rescuing 219 trafficked Nigerians

The Federal Government of Nigeria has lauded Ghanaian authorities for rescuing 219 young Nigerians who were trafficked and forced into cybercrime operations in Ghana.

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, expressed Nigeria’s gratitude during a visit to the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, where the victims are currently being held.

She commended EOCO operatives for treating the victims with dignity and high sense of professionalism.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Ghana for ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations and for an emergency ministerial session, condemned the exploitation, describing it as modern slavery.

She also lauded EOCO’s collaboration with Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), noting that Ghana’s intention is not to criminalize the victims but to ensure their safe repatriation.

She urged Nigerian youth to be wary of offers promising overseas jobs, warning that many are traps set by human traffickers.

According to the Minister, the victims were discovered in a gated estate, confined to about 25 rooms where they were forced to carry out cyber fraud. Some had been physically abused, and one had his legs broken for allegedly withholding illicit proceeds.

“You are lucky to be alive and rescued,” she told the victims. “Next time, it may be a country with no bilateral ties or a harsher justice system. You may not come back.” she stated.

She highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through skills training and technical education, encouraging the rescued individuals to take advantage of available government support programmes upon their return.

Bashiru Dapilah, EOCO Executive Director, explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence and noted the arrest of a Ghanaian estate owner linked to the trafficking ring. He called for stronger cooperation between the two countries to dismantle the wider criminal network operating across borders.

Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, stated that more than 3 million Nigerians reside in Ghana, most of whom are law-abiding and contributing to the host country’s development.

A total of 231 trafficked Nigerians, including others rescued in separate operations, are expected to arrive (today) in Lagos, where they will be received by Nigerian authorities.

Editing by Muzha Kucha, Adeniyi Bakare and Tony Okerafor