FG Hails Ghana for Rescuing 219 Nigerians Forced into Cybercrime
Princess-Ekwi Ajide (ABS Abuja Bureau Chief)
In a time where the lure of quick riches through digital platforms often blinds young people to dangerous paths, the heartbreaking story of 219 Nigerian youths trafficked and forced into cybercrimes in Ghana is a chilling reminder of how desperation can be weaponised by criminal networks.
In a major breakthrough against human trafficking and cybercrime, the Federal Government of Nigeria has commended Ghanaian authorities for rescuing 219 young Nigerians who were trafficked and forced into online fraud operations.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the commendation during her visit to the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, where the victims are currently being sheltered.
The minister, who was in Ghana for the ECOWAS 50th anniversary and a special session on sub-regional unity, described the trafficking incident as “modern slavery” and decried the inhumane conditions the victims were subjected to.
Many were locked in small rooms for weeks, some bearing physical scars and trauma from abuse.
“These are not criminals. These are victims,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised, urging Nigerian youth to resist enticing overseas job offers that often serve as bait for trafficking.
She praised EOCO’s professionalism and humane treatment of the victims, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to citizen-centred diplomacy and youth empowerment through technical education and skills development.
EOCO’s Executive Director, Mr. Bashiru Dapilah, revealed that the syndicate responsible had both Nigerian and Ghanaian links, adding that arrests had been made including the estate owner where the victims were confined.
He called for deeper bilateral collaboration to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.
Meanwhile, the rescued Nigerians, along with others intercepted in separate operations, are expected to be repatriated to Lagos on Friday.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged the victims to embrace this second chance and take advantage of the federal government’s rehabilitation and empowerment programmes, stressing, “East, West, home is best.
