Ghanaian authorities have confirmed the arrest of 53 Nigerian nationals linked to a cybercrime operation based in and around Accra, the country’s capital.
Sam George, Ghana’s minister of communications, disclosed the arrests in a post on X on January 18.
George said the operation was carried out jointly by multiple agencies, including the Cyber Security Authority.
According to him, 44 Nigerian men were trafficked to Ghana and forced to carry out cybercrime activities at offices across Accra.
“All the arrested individuals have been duly profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations,” he wrote.
George warned foreign nationals invited to Ghana to verify claims made by their compatriots, saying some victims were lured with false promises of lucrative jobs.
Authorities said nine Nigerians were arrested as suspects following a two-day, intelligence-led operation that raided multiple locations.
During the raids, security operatives seized 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones and two pump-action guns.
Officials said the remaining 44 Nigerians were victims who were confined in gated compounds, had their documents seized and were compelled to engage in cybercrime.
The alleged offences included romance scams and business email compromise schemes, where perpetrators impersonate trusted individuals or organisations to steal money or sensitive information.
George said suspects arrested in previous operations have either been handed over to Nigerian authorities or are being prosecuted in Ghana.
He said the arrests are part of intensified efforts by Ghanaian authorities to clamp down on cybercrime in collaboration with international partners, including law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Recent cases include the arrest of Abu Trica, a Ghanaian social media influencer born Frederick Kumi, who is accused of stealing $8 million from vulnerable Americans through a romance scam.
Authorities also reported the dismantling of a syndicate that allegedly defrauded more than 200 victims of about $400,000.