The Federal Government has received 105 Nigerians rescued from suspected cybercrime syndicates in Ghana, following a joint operation triggered by intelligence from Ghanaian authorities.
The returnees were among 119 Nigerians rescued during the operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) after the Ghana Cyber Security Authority alerted Nigerian authorities to the activities of cybercrime syndicates operating in the country. 
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which led the Nigerian agencies involved in the operation, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye.
NAPTIP said 105 of the 119 Nigerians rescued by the Ghanaian authorities had so far been repatriated to Nigeria, while arrangements were ongoing to return the remaining 14.
The operation involved several Nigerian security, immigration and humanitarian agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also participated in the repatriation exercise.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, assured them of the government’s protection and urged them to remain calm as officials commenced profiling and reintegration procedures.
She said the profiling would enable authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding each person’s presence in Ghana and determine the protection, rehabilitation and other forms of assistance required.
The agency’s intervention highlights the growing overlap between human trafficking, deceptive recruitment and cybercrime activities, particularly where young people are lured abroad with promises of lucrative employment before being exposed to exploitation or criminal networks.
NAPTIP said the successful operation was the result of cooperation between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities, commending the Ghana Cyber Security Authority and Ghana Immigration Service for their roles.
The agency also acknowledged the support of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, ONSA, Nigerian security agencies and other international partners involved in the operation.
NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with domestic and international partners to combat human trafficking, exploitation and related criminal activities.
The agency urged Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad to exercise caution, particularly when confronted with offers that promise unusually high financial returns, provide vague job descriptions or involve questionable recruitment procedures.
“Nigerians should be cautious of opportunities abroad that promise unrealistic benefits, have unclear job descriptions or involve questionable recruitment processes,” the agency warned.
The 105 returnees are expected to undergo further assessment as authorities work to establish their individual circumstances and provide appropriate support as part of the government’s reintegration process.
