231 Nigerians Home After Rescue from Trafficking and Cybercrime in Ghana
231 Nigerians Home After Rescue from Trafficking and Cybercrime in Ghana
A total of 231 Nigerians are set to arrive in Lagos on Friday following the rescue of 219 young citizens who were trafficked to Ghana and forced into cybercrime.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Magnus Eze, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO) for their professionalism and compassionate treatment of the victims.
She commended the Ghanaian authorities for their successful operation, highlighting it as a prime example of international collaboration in the fight against organized crime.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu cautioned Nigerian youth to be vigilant regarding dubious job offers abroad, warning that many are traps set by human traffickers.
“Before their rescue, these young men were confined to about 25 rooms in an estate, where they were coerced into cybercrime. Many were so deprived of natural light that they struggled to adjust to sunlight when taken outside,” she explained.
“Some showed signs of abuse, including injuries inflicted by their captors. One victim had his legs broken for not handing over all his earnings from cybercrime. Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery—cruel and inhumane.”
In her address to the rescued individuals, the Minister emphasized, “You are fortunate. Next time, the circumstances may not be as favorable, and you may not find yourself in a country with strong diplomatic ties to Nigeria.”
She praised EOCO’s collaboration with Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), noting her appreciation for EOCO’s Executive Director’s commitment to not send the young men back into Nigeria’s prison system.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also encouraged the returnees to utilize government intervention programs aimed at rehabilitation and skill acquisition. “No matter where you go, home is best. Give your government the opportunity to equip you with valuable skills upon your return,” she advised.
EOCO Executive Director Mr. Bashiru Dapilah stated that the operation was grounded in intelligence and applauded the contributions of law-abiding Nigerians in Ghana in the fight against crime.
“This goes beyond a Nigerian issue—Ghanaians were involved as well. We have arrested the owner of the estate where the victims were held, and he will face prosecution,” Dapilah confirmed.
He emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria to effectively combat transnational crimes. “Many Nigerians here are law-abiding citizens making positive contributions—operating spare parts businesses and restaurants. We must avoid generalizations,” he remarked.
Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, noted that over three million Nigerians live in Ghana and emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness campaigns to prevent human trafficking.
