Subheadline: Authorities say the Nigerians were trafficked to Ghana and forced to participate in online fraud operations as a multinational investigation leads to arrests and the seizure of electronic devices.

UTELNOVA | NEWS | October 17, 2026

Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerian nationals following a security operation targeting suspected cybercrime networks, with authorities alleging that the individuals were trafficked into the country and forced to participate in online fraud activities.

The operation, known as Operation Cyberhunt, involved Ghanaian security agencies working with international partners, including agencies from Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the repatriation on October 13, thanking the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for helping return the Nigerians to their home country.

How the operation unfolded

According to the minister, authorities rescued the 120 Nigerians during raids targeting suspected cybercrime operations. Officials said the individuals had been trafficked to Ghana and compelled to work in cybercrime activities.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of electronic equipment believed to be connected to the activities under investigation.

Items seized included:

• 136 mobile phones
• 130 laptops
• Internet connectivity devices
• Four motor vehicles
• Jewellery and other digital equipment
• Ten Nigerian passports

One of the recovered vehicles was reportedly identified as having been stolen from Canada.

Authorities also disclosed that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution as investigations continued.

Nigerians reportedly exploited through cybercrime operations

The case highlights the disturbing connection between human trafficking and organised online fraud.

While cybercrime investigations often focus on financial losses and stolen information, this operation has drawn attention to allegations that people were trafficked across borders and forced to participate in criminal activities.

The identities of the Nigerians who were repatriated and the full circumstances surrounding their recruitment have not been publicly detailed by Ghanaian authorities.

Nigerian authorities begin follow-up procedures

Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) separately announced that it had received 105 Nigerians rescued during the operation, while the remaining individuals were still undergoing processing for their return, according to its October 12 announcement.

The difference between the figures reported by the Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities reflects different stages of the repatriation process and should not automatically be interpreted as a contradiction.

NAPTIP said the returnees would undergo profiling and reintegration procedures to assess their circumstances and determine the support they require.

What happens next?

Authorities are expected to continue investigating the suspected criminal networks and pursuing individuals linked to the alleged operations.

The case also serves as a warning to Nigerians considering employment opportunities abroad. Offers promising unusually high earnings, demanding secrecy or providing vague job descriptions should be carefully checked before travel or the surrender of personal documents.

For the Nigerians who have returned home, the next important steps include establishing their individual circumstances, providing appropriate support and ensuring that those responsible for any trafficking or coercion are held accountable through due process.

Utelnova will continue to follow developments in the investigation and any further announcements from Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities.