The Federal Government has received 105 Nigerians rescued from cybercrime syndicates in Ghana, as authorities begin profiling and reintegration procedures to determine their individual needs.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye.
According to the agency, the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following a report from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
NAPTIP led the Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies involved in the operation, with support from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
Other participating institutions included the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.NAPTIP explained that Ghanaian authorities rescued 119 Nigerians during the operation, with 105 already repatriated to Nigeria.
Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the return of the remaining 14 individuals.Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, welcomed them and assured them of their safety.
She urged the returnees to remain calm while the relevant authorities carried out profiling and reintegration procedures.
The agency said the process would enable officials to establish the circumstances surrounding each person’s situation and determine the appropriate assistance, protection and support required.
NAPTIP commended the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and the Ghana Immigration Service, for their roles in rescuing the Nigerians.
It also acknowledged the contributions of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security agencies and other partners.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local and international stakeholders to combat human trafficking, cybercrime-related exploitation and other forms of abuse.
NAPTIP also warned Nigerians against falling victim to suspicious overseas job offers and recruitment schemes.
“Nigerians should be cautious of opportunities abroad that promise unrealistic benefits, have unclear job descriptions or involve questionable recruitment processes,” the agency stated.
The agency urged Nigerians seeking employment abroad to verify job offers and recruitment arrangements before accepting them to avoid falling victim to exploitation and criminal networks.
