Ghana praises Nigeria and secret police for freeing 44 citizens from human trafficking ring

The Ghanaian government has expressed its gratitude towards Nigerian authorities, specifically the Department of State Services, for their role in freeing 44 Ghanaian nationals from a criminal network that had ensnared them in fraudulent recruitment schemes.

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This rescue effort was undertaken in collaboration with various security agencies in both Nigeria and Ghana, culminating in the safe return of the victims to Accra on Friday, as announced by Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Saturday.

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The operation that led to the rescue of the 44 Ghanaian nationals, comprising 27 males and 17 females, was carried out in the Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.

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Following their rescue, the victims were received by Mr Leslie Lawson, an official of the Ghana High Commission, at the DSS office in Uyo, prior to their repatriation to Ghana.

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The Ghanaian nationals had been lured into Nigeria through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with promises of employment and travel opportunities that ultimately proved to be false.

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A statement from the Ghana High Commission revealed that the victims were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme, after being deceived into traveling to Nigeria.

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The rescue operation was conducted on March 16, 2026, in collaboration with relevant Ghanaian institutions, and the victims were repatriated to Accra on March 20, 2026.

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The two countries are currently working together to dismantle the criminal networks behind the scheme, while also taking steps to ensure the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the victims.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its prompt intervention and continued cooperation in this matter.

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The government has reiterated its strong condemnation of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals.

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The ministry has also urged the public to exercise caution when considering travel and employment opportunities, advising them to verify such opportunities through official channels and avoid engaging with unverified individuals or organisations.

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The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens both at home and abroad, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the face of such threats.