Monday, January 19, 2026 - Ghanaian authorities have arrested 53 Nigerian nationals in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling suspected cybercrime hubs across multiple communities in the Greater Accra Region.
The arrests were confirmed on Sunday by Ghana’s Minister for
Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, who
said the action was part of efforts to safeguard the country’s cyber space and
protect its international digital reputation.
According to the minister, intelligence gathered within the
last 48 hours by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) uncovered multiple
locations allegedly being used for coordinated cybercrime activities in East
Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba.
The intelligence reportedly revealed that several young men,
mostly foreign nationals, were being coerced and exploited by suspected
ringleaders to carry out cyber-related crimes from these locations
Acting on the information, a joint security task force
comprising operatives from National Security Operations, the CSA, the Criminal
Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and the Ghana Police Service SWAT
Unit carried out simultaneous raids on January 16 and 17, 2026.
During the operation, nine Nigerians were arrested as key
suspects allegedly involved in organising and coordinating the cybercrime
network.
Another 44 Nigerians were rescued from various apartments
and are believed to be victims of human trafficking and cybercrime
exploitation.
The minister disclosed that the rescued individuals were
found operating laptops in multiple apartments, pointing to what authorities
described as a well-structured and organized cybercrime syndicate.
Searches conducted at the locations led to the recovery of
several items suspected to have been used in carrying out cyber offences,
including 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones and two pump-action guns.
A location-by-location breakdown showed that five suspects
were arrested in East Legon Hills, 11 in Afienya, 10 in Kwabenya, 10 in Weija
and 17 in Tuba, bringing the total number of Nigerians apprehended to 53.
“All the arrested individuals have been duly profiled and
handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further
investigations,” George said.
He cautioned foreign nationals against falling for false
promises of jobs or quick financial gains, urging them to verify claims made by
people who lure them into Ghana under dubious pretences.
The minister added that suspects arrested in previous
operations had been profiled by the Ghana Immigration Service in collaboration
with INTERPOL, with some already handed over to Nigerian authorities at the
Seme border, while others are facing prosecution in Ghana.
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