Ghana repatriates 120 Nigerian nationals arrested during Operation Cyberhunt, a multinational cybercrime crackdown. Credit: X | samgeorgegh
Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerians arrested during a cybercrime crackdown, with authorities alleging that the individuals had been trafficked to the country and forced to work in cybercrime operations.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the development in a post on X on Tuesday, thanking the Ghana Air Force and Ministry of Defence for facilitating the repatriation.
The operation, codenamed Operation Cyberhunt, was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with intelligence and security agencies in Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
George said the operation resulted in the rescue of the 120 Nigerians, who were allegedly trafficked to Ghana and compelled to work in cybercrime setups.
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He wrote, “My sincere gratitude goes to the #ghana_airforce and the #modghana for facilitating the repatriation of 120 Nigerian nationals who were arrested during #OperationCyberhunt.
“This sting operation, led by the #CSAGhana in conjunction with other intelligence and security agencies locally and in the UK, Nigeria and the US, led to the rescue of the 120 persons who had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to work in these cybercrime setups.
During the operation, security operatives seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles, including one reportedly stolen from Canada.
Investigators also recovered other digital equipment, valuable jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.
“The operation seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connection devices, four motor vehicles, one of which was stolen from Canada, and other digital equipment. The search team also recovered high-value items, including jewellery and ten (10) Nigerian passports.”
George added that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution as investigations continued.
He said Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama, would not provide a safe haven for cybercriminals.
“The team is processing 8 other persons for prosecution, and Ghana under President #JDMahama will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals. For God and Country, the statement added.
