NAPTIP Receives 105 Nigerians Rescued from Cybercrime Syndicates in Ghana
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has received 105 Nigerians rescued during a coordinated operation targeting cybercrime syndicates in Ghana.
The agency said the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following a request for assistance from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
In a statement issued on Monday, NAPTIP’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye, said the operation involved several Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies working in collaboration with their Ghanaian counterparts and international partners.
The Nigerian agencies involved included the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
According to the statement, the Ghanaian government reported that 119 Nigerians were rescued during the operation, with 105 repatriated to Nigeria while arrangements were ongoing to process the remaining 14.
NAPTIP said the operation had received commendation from various stakeholders, including civil society organisations and international partners, describing it as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from human trafficking, exploitation and the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, welcomed them and assured them of their safety.
She urged the returnees to remain calm while the agency conducted the necessary profiling and reintegration procedures.
Adamu-Bello said NAPTIP would safeguard their welfare, protect their dignity and ensure that each individual received appropriate assistance based on their specific circumstances.
She expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and the Ghana Immigration Service, as well as the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), for their operational support.
“The agency specially thanks the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, and all partners whose collaboration made the operation a huge success,” she said.
The NAPTIP chief reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening national and international cooperation against human trafficking and related forms of exploitation.
She added that individuals identified during such operations would continue to receive appropriate screening, protection and support according to their needs.
Adamu-Bello also cautioned Nigerians against falling victim to fraudulent overseas recruitment schemes, urging them to exercise due diligence when considering employment, scholarship or other opportunities abroad.
She specifically warned against offers that promise unrealistic benefits, provide vague job descriptions or involve suspicious recruitment arrangements.
The agency reiterated the importance of verifying the credibility of foreign opportunities and recruitment channels before making travel commitments.
(NAN)
