The Government of Ghana has commended Nigerian authorities, particularly the Department of State Services, DSS, for rescuing forty-four Ghanaian nationals from a criminal network involved in fraudulent recruitment and human trafficking operations.
In a statement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the victims, comprising twenty-seven males and seventeen females, were lured to Nigeria through deceptive job offers circulated on social media and informal channels.
The ministry disclosed that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation on March 16, 2026, by the DSS in collaboration with other Nigerian and Ghanaian security agencies.
The operation took place in communities within Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, including Imo Ekpo, Ifuho and Ekpri Nsukara.
According to the statement, the victims were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the fraudulent scheme.
They were later handed over to officials of the Ghana High Commission, including Mr. Leslie Lawson, at the DSS office in Uyo before being repatriated to Accra on March 20, 2026.
The Ghanaian government described the rescue as a result of strong bilateral cooperation and expressed appreciation to Nigeria for its swift intervention.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to dismantle the criminal network, while measures are also being put in place to ensure the rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims.
The Ministry further warned the public to verify travel and employment opportunities through official channels and avoid engagement with unverified individuals or organisations.
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens and reiterated its condemnation of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
