Ghana repatriates 120 Nigerians following Operation Cyberhunt

Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerian nationals after an intelligence-led crackdown on cybercrime and human trafficking networks. Minister of Communications Samuel Nartey George announced the completion of "Operation Cyberhunt," a multi-agency initiative involving the Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana Police Service, and international partners including the U.S. Department of Justice and United Kingdom authorities. The operation is part of a broader effort by President John Mahama’s administration to prevent the country from becoming a regional hub for digital fraud.

The repatriated individuals were identified as victims of human trafficking who had been lured to Ghana and forced to work in scam centers. During the raid, which focused on locations such as Sasaabi in Accra, security forces seized 303 electronic devices, including laptops and smartphones. One vehicle reported stolen from Canada was also recovered. While the 120 trafficking victims have been returned to Nigeria, eight other individuals are currently in custody and facing prosecution for their involvement in the criminal activities.

The U.S. Department of Justice, which collaborated on the "Joint Disruption Week" phase of the mission, reported that the operation had a global reach. The joint effort led to the removal of approximately 3.7 million fraudulent social media accounts and the identification of $11 million in freezeable funds linked to illicit activities. Major technology companies assisted law enforcement in dismantling the digital infrastructure used by the syndicates to target unsuspecting victims worldwide.

Minister Sam George emphasized that the government remains vigilant in its fight against organized crime. He noted that the successful operation sends a strong signal to criminal elements that Ghana will not tolerate illegal activities within its borders. The Ministry plans to continue its collaboration with international security agencies to strengthen digital forensic capabilities and protect the integrity of the nation's communications space.