In one of the largest coordinated anti-fraud operations in recent years, Ghanaian authorities have arrested 93 Nigerian nationals in Accra for alleged cybercrime and human trafficking, while simultaneously rescuing 73 other Nigerians who were reportedly subjected to torture and abuse.
The operation, conducted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) National Operations Unit, targeted six houses at the DEVTRACO Estate.
According to a report by ABC News GH on Tuesday, those arrested include 91 men and two women facing charges related to cybercrime and immigration violations.
The 73 rescued victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo, who led the operation, stated: "The operation demonstrates our commitment to rooting out criminal networks exploiting our communities."
Officers recovered a substantial cache of items during the raids, including 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit US dollars, and fake gold bars believed to have been used in fraudulent schemes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that several suspects entered Ghana through unauthorized border routes, while others overstayed their 90-day visa-free entry granted to Nigerians.
The Comptroller-General of GIS has warned that violators risk prosecution under Ghana's Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalizes the recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of individuals for exploitation through force, fraud, or abuse.
Offenders convicted under the Act face five to 20 years in prison, with cases involving children or other aggravating circumstances attracting life imprisonment.
Violations of Ghana's immigration laws, including illegal entry or overstaying, may also result in fines or jail terms ranging from three months to two years.
The operation highlights Ghana's intensified efforts to dismantle cybercrime networks operating in residential areas.
It comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigerians abroad following mass arrests in other countries.
Earlier this week, 42 Nigerians were reportedly detained at a spare parts market in Mozambique—an action the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) condemned as a potential xenophobic attack.
NIDCOM Chairman and CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the Mozambique arrests as disturbing, particularly since no offences had reportedly been levied against the affected Nigerians.
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