Accra, Ghana –
Ghanaian police have rescued 57 Nigerians who were trafficked into the country and arrested five suspects believed to be operating a cybercrime and human trafficking ring, authorities announced on Thursday, October 23.
The raid took place on Wednesday, October 22, at a building in a suburb of Accra, where victims — aged 18 to 26 — were allegedly forced to participate in online romance scams, according to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Police recovered 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and other internet-enabled devices during the operation.
The suspects reportedly lured the victims with false job offers and promises of better opportunities in Ghana.
“Upon arrival, the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other heinous activities,” the police said.
Authorities confirmed that the rescued victims are receiving care and support, though no timeline was given for their return to Nigeria.
Human trafficking and online scams involving West African nationals remain widespread in Ghana, despite numerous police crackdowns. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reported 79 prosecutions and 54 convictions between 2023 and 2024 under Ghana’s human trafficking laws.
In a related effort, Interpol recently coordinated a continent-wide cybercrime operation that led to 260 arrests across 14 African countries, including 68 suspects in Ghana accused of romance and sextortion scams. The scams targeted over 1,400 victims, resulting in losses of nearly $2.8 million, according to the international police organization.
