Ghana repatriates 120 Nigerians arrested in cybercrime operations

Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerian nationals arrested during an intelligence-led operation targeting cybercrime activities, Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Sam George has announced.

The exercise, known as #OperationCyberhunt, was conducted by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with local security and intelligence agencies and international partners in the United Kingdom, Nigeria and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Mr George said the 120 Nigerians had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to participate in cybercrime operations.

He expressed appreciation to the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for supporting the process of returning the individuals to Nigeria.

The operation also resulted in the seizure of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices, four vehicles and other digital equipment suspected to be linked to the activities under investigation.

Mr George disclosed that one of the vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada. Investigators also recovered jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports during the operation.

The minister further revealed that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution. However, he did not disclose the specific offences they were expected to face or clarify whether they were among those arrested during the operation.

Mr George said the exercise demonstrated the government's determination to combat cybercrime and prevent criminal networks from using Ghana as a base for their activities.

“Ghana under President John Dramani Mahama will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals,” he said.

The operation involved cooperation between Ghanaian security agencies and international partners, highlighting the cross-border nature of efforts to tackle cybercrime, identify trafficking victims and pursue individuals linked to suspected criminal activities.

Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the repatriated Nigerians or provide details of the specific cybercrime activities they were allegedly compelled to undertake.