In a remarkable operation, 231 Nigerians, including 219 young nationals trafficked to Ghana and coerced into cybercrime activities, are set to return to Lagos on Friday. The successful rescue operation, which involved Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO), has been hailed as an example of international cooperation in combating human trafficking and organized crime.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed her gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities for their professionalism and humane treatment of the victims, describing the rescue as a shining example of collaborative efforts between nations in tackling the scourge of human trafficking.
“These young men were confined in a series of rooms in an estate where they were forced into cybercrimes, with some even showing signs of physical abuse,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said in her statement. "Many were forced to remain indoors for weeks, with some unable to adjust their eyes to sunlight. One victim suffered a broken leg for refusing to surrender his cybercrime earnings."
The minister warned Nigerian youth against accepting suspicious job offers abroad, urging them to be cautious as many are traps set by human traffickers. She also urged the rescued individuals to take advantage of government programs designed to assist with rehabilitation and skill acquisition, emphasizing that "home is best."
The operation, which was based on intelligence gathered by Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities, also led to the arrest of the estate owner who is now facing prosecution. EOCO’s Executive Director, Mr. Bashiru Dapilah, underscored the need for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana to address transnational crimes effectively.
Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, noted that over three million Nigerians live in Ghana and highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns to prevent further cases of trafficking. The operation marks a significant step in curbing the exploitation of Nigerian nationals abroad and demonstrates the strength of bilateral ties in combating international crime.
