The Ghana Immigration Service has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals and rescued 73 victims allegedly subjected to torture and abuse during a major intelligence-led crackdown on suspected internet fraud and human trafficking activities in Accra.
The operation, carried out on March 9, 2026, targeted six houses within the DEVTRACO Estate in Accra, where authorities said a sophisticated cyber-fraud syndicate was operating.
In a statement released by the immigration authorities, the suspects—comprising 91 males and two females—are currently facing charges bordering on alleged internet fraud and immigration violations.
The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Newman Akuffo, of the National Operations Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Officials said the raid uncovered a large cache of items suspected to have been used in the alleged criminal enterprise, including 82 laptop computers, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit United States dollars and fake gold bars.
Authorities said the victims rescued during the operation had allegedly been held against their will and subjected to severe torture and abuse by the suspects.
According to investigators, the 73 victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that some of the suspects reportedly entered Ghana through illegal border routes, while others allegedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry period granted to nationals of member states of the Economic Community of West African States.
The Ghana Immigration Service said further investigations were ongoing at its national headquarters in Accra.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, while commenting on the development, warned foreign nationals residing in Ghana to comply strictly with the country’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws.
He noted that Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), criminalises the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons through force, deception or abuse for the purpose of exploitation.
Under the law, offenders risk prison terms ranging from five to 20 years, while cases involving children or other aggravating factors may attract life imprisonment.
The immigration chief also reminded residents that the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), makes it an offence to enter Ghana through unauthorised routes or overstay visas, with penalties including fines and prison sentences ranging from three months to two years upon conviction.
Authorities described the operation as one of the most significant recent crackdowns on cyber-fraud and human trafficking networks operating from residential communities in the country.
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