In a significant breakthrough, Ghanaian authorities have rescued 219 young Nigerians who were trafficked and forced into committing cybercrimes. The Nigerian government has commended Ghana for its swift action in dismantling the criminal syndicate and rescuing the victims, who had been held under appalling conditions in an estate in Accra.
The victims, mostly young men, were locked in 25 rooms for weeks, where they were forced to perpetrate cybercrimes, including internet fraud. Many had been abused by their captors, with some suffering physical injuries like broken legs and visible lacerations. At the time of their rescue, many victims were severely disoriented from being confined in dark rooms for so long, with their eyes unable to adjust to natural light.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, visited the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, where the victims were being held. She praised the Ghanaian authorities for their professionalism in handling the case and treating the victims with dignity. Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the trafficking as “modern slavery” and urged Nigerian youth to avoid promises of lucrative jobs abroad, warning that such offers might be a trap leading to exploitation.
The Nigerian government is committed to addressing unemployment among its youth and providing skills that will help prevent them from falling into such criminal activities. The Minister emphasized that the current administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” offers various programs that equip young Nigerians with technical skills.
The Ghanaian anti-graft agency confirmed that the perpetrators of the crime, including the estate owner, would face prosecution. While the immediate priority was the victims’ rescue, both the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments are working together to apprehend the criminals behind this exploitative operation.
The victims, who are set to return to Nigeria this Friday, are expected to be handed over to government officials for reintegration into society. The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana is also actively involved in efforts to curb the rising issue of human trafficking.
This operation highlights the growing problem of human trafficking, with young Nigerians often lured by promises of work abroad, only to become trapped in criminal enterprises. The Nigerian government’s focus on technical education and skills development aims to provide alternatives to such exploitative activities. Additionally, this rescue underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation between countries in tackling organized crime.
