Ghana has lauded Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) for rescuing 44 Ghanaian nationals from a human trafficking network operating in Akwa Ibom State. The victims, comprising 27 men and 17 women, were lured to Nigeria with promises of lucrative jobs and travel opportunities, only to be held captive and coerced into online fraud schemes.
The rescue operation was carried out on March 16, 2026, through a joint effort between the Nigerian DSS and Ghanaian authorities. The victims were rescued from locations in Umo Ekpo, Ifuho, and Ekpri Nsukara in Akwa Ibom State, and were subsequently repatriated to Ghana on March 20, 2026.
According to reports, the victims were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme. One victim, Gideon Yeboah, recounted how he was defrauded of GH¢30,000 and held hostage for weeks.
The Ghanaian government has praised the Nigerian authorities for their swift intervention and has vowed to work closely with them to dismantle the criminal network. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has also issued a warning to the public to be cautious of unverified job offers and to verify opportunities through official channels.
This incident highlights the growing concern of human trafficking in West Africa, with syndicates increasingly targeting neighboring countries to staff decentralized scam centers. The Ghanaian government has emphasized the need for regional vigilance and cooperation to combat this issue.
The rescued victims are currently undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities, with the Ghanaian government providing support and assistance. The incident has also sparked calls for increased awareness and education to prevent similar cases of human trafficking.