Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerian nationals rescued following a crackdown on suspected Cybercrime centres were authorities say people were trafficked and forced to participate in online fraud, bringing cross-border security operation to a new stage.
The county’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying the Nigerians had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to participate in cybercrime operations.
The operation, known as Operation Cyber hunt, was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with local security and intelligence agencies, as well as counterparts in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
George thanked the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for facilitating the return of the Nigerians.
The operation also led to the seizure of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, Internet connectivity devices and four vehicles, according to the minister.
Authorities also recovered jewelry and 10 Nigerian passports. One of the seized vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada.
George said eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution, although he did not disclose the specific offences they were expected to face.
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 #JD Mahama will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals. For God and Country, the statement added”.
The repatriation follows an earlier announcement by the Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) that 105 Nigerians rescued during the operation had returned home, while 14 others were still undergoing processing as at October 12.
NAPTIP said the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser following contact from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
The agency said the returnees would undergo profiling to establish their individual circumstances and determine the support required for their reintegration into society. It also acknowledged the involvement of Nigeria security agencies, the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and international partners in the operation.
-9News Nigeria.
