Daud Olatunji
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has received 105 Nigerians rescued during a coordinated operation against cybercrime syndicates in Ghana.
The operation, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser following a notification from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, led to the rescue of 119 Nigerians, 105 of whom have been repatriated to Nigeria, while arrangements are ongoing for the return of the remaining 14.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of NAPTIP’s Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye.
The agency said the operation involved several Nigerian security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies working in collaboration with their Ghanaian counterparts and international partners.
The Nigerian agencies involved included the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana.
The agency expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and the Ghana Immigration Service, as well as the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, for their operational support.
It also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the participating Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies for their contributions to the operation.
NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with local and international partners to combat human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of exploitation.
The agency said it would continue to ensure that individuals identified during such operations undergo appropriate screening and receive necessary protection and support.
It, however, urged Nigerians seeking employment, scholarships and other opportunities abroad to exercise caution, warning against offers featuring unrealistic promises, unclear job descriptions and suspicious recruitment arrangements.
The agency advised prospective travellers to verify the authenticity of overseas opportunities before accepting offers or making travel arrangements, stressing the need for vigilance against recruitment schemes that could expose Nigerians to exploitation.
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