Dodowa, Ghana – July 8, 2025 | By M10News Africa Desk
Ghanaian authorities have rescued 25 Nigerian nationals allegedly trafficked into the country and forced to participate in cyber fraud operations, following a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout in the Dodowa area of Greater Accra.
The operation, which took place last Thursday, was jointly led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the Police Cybercrime Unit.
It followed a distress report filed by one of the victims, who claimed he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and brought into Ghana under false pretences.
Authorities say the 25 men were discovered at a residence in Sasaabi, a community along the Dodowa Road.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were held against their will and coerced into conducting online scams targeting victims both locally and internationally.
“They were trafficked into Ghana and forced into cybercrime activities,” a senior CSA official told local media, confirming the ongoing investigation into the network suspected of orchestrating the operation.
More than 40 laptop computers and 25 mobile phones were recovered during the raid, all believed to have been used for fraudulent purposes. Digital forensic experts are now examining the seized devices to uncover the extent of the cyber fraud network.
The rescue mission was triggered by a joint effort between Ghana’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-GH), the Cybercrime Unit, and the victim’s family in Nigeria.
Authorities said the whistleblower’s escape and subsequent communication with his relatives played a crucial role in initiating the crackdown.
According to officials, the rescued individuals are now receiving medical care and psychological support. Law enforcement officers are also interviewing them to ascertain how they were trafficked and who is responsible for the operation.
Human trafficking for cybercrime is a growing concern across West Africa. Criminal groups are increasingly exploiting vulnerable young people, luring them with fake job offers and then forcing them into scam operations.
“This is not just a cybercrime issue; it’s a human rights crisis,” said a representative from a regional anti-trafficking NGO, calling for stronger border monitoring and youth education campaigns to prevent future cases.
The Ghana Police Service has not disclosed whether any Ghanaian nationals were involved in the trafficking ring, but confirmed that multiple suspects were under investigation.
The CSA has urged members of the public—especially youth in Nigeria and neighbouring countries—to be cautious of suspicious overseas job offers that promise quick money.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for greater regional cooperation between West African governments to tackle human trafficking and transnational cybercrime.
Investigators in both Ghana and Nigeria are continuing their probe, with possible links to a broader syndicate spanning multiple countries.
Editing by M10News Africa Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
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