Ghana has announced the repatriation of 120 Nigerians following an intelligence-led 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, disclosed the development on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following an operation known as Operation Cyberhunt.
The operation was conducted by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with local security and intelligence agencies and international partners, including counterparts in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to George, the Nigerians were among individuals identified during efforts to dismantle suspected cybercrime networks operating in the country.
The minister thanked the Ghana Air Force and Ministry of Defence for supporting the repatriation exercise, describing the operation as part of the government’s efforts to prevent Ghana from becoming a destination for criminal networks.
The operation reportedly led to the recovery of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles.
Authorities also recovered jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports. One of the vehicles was reportedly identified as having been stolen from Canada.
The seized equipment is expected to form part of investigations into the suspected cybercrime activities and the networks allegedly responsible for recruiting or exploiting individuals.
George also disclosed that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution. However, he did not provide detailed information about the specific charges they may face or clarify their individual roles in the suspected operations.
The authorities have not publicly disclosed the identities of the Nigerians who were returned or provided detailed accounts of the alleged activities they were forced to undertake.
Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) also confirmed the operation and the return of Nigerians from Ghana.
In a statement reported on October 12, NAPTIP said Ghanaian authorities had rescued 119 Nigerians, of whom 105 had been repatriated to Nigeria, while the remaining 14 were still undergoing processing.
The agency said the operation was coordinated by Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser following contact from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
The Nigerian returnees are expected to undergo profiling and reintegration procedures to determine their individual circumstances and the support they may require.
The figures released by Ghana and Nigeria differ, with Ghana’s minister reporting 120 repatriations while NAPTIP reported 105 people returned at the time of its statement. The authorities have not publicly reconciled the difference.
The incident highlights concerns about criminal networks that allegedly lure people across borders with promises of employment, education or better living conditions before exploiting them.
NAPTIP has urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering overseas job offers, particularly those involving unrealistic salaries, unclear job descriptions or suspicious recruitment arrangements.
Authorities have not established publicly that every person rescued was forced to participate in cybercrime. Individual screening will be important in distinguishing trafficking victims from anyone suspected of criminal involvement.
The operation underscores the need for continued cooperation between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities to combat human trafficking, investigate cybercrime networks and protect people vulnerable to exploitation.