The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has received 105 Nigerians rescued during a coordinated operation against cybercrime syndicates in Ghana.
The operation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s citizen-focused policies aimed at protecting Nigerians and safeguarding their welfare.
The development was contained in a press statement issued in Abuja by NAPTIP’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Vincent Adekoye.
The operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following a request for assistance from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
NAPTIP led the participating Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), alongside other partners.
According to the Ghanaian government, 119 Nigerians were rescued during the operation. Of this number, 105 have been repatriated to Nigeria, while arrangements are ongoing for the return of the remaining 14.
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Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, welcomed them and assured them of their safety and well-being.
She urged them to remain calm as the government undertakes profiling and reintegration processes to determine their individual needs and provide appropriate support.
The engagement, according to the agency, underscores NAPTIP’s commitment to protecting the dignity of survivors, safeguarding their welfare and ensuring that each person receives assistance tailored to their circumstances.
NAPTIP expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and the Ghana Immigration Service, as well as the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), for their operational support.
The agency also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, and other partners for their collaboration in making the operation successful.
NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against human trafficking and related forms of exploitation.
It stated that individuals identified during such operations would continue to receive appropriate screening, protection and support based on their circumstances.
The agency urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering employment, scholarship or other opportunities abroad, particularly offers involving unrealistic promises, vague job descriptions or suspicious recruitment arrangements.
