THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has received 105 Nigerians rescued in a coordinated operation against cybercrime syndicates in Ghana.
The operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) after the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana contacted NAPTIP.
NAPTIP led the participating Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, which included 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, along with other partners.
According to a statement by the Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye, the development, which was hailed by a cross-section of stakeholders, civil society organisations and collaborating international organisations, underscores the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the safety of Nigerians, especially victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
According to the Government of Ghana, 119 Nigerians were rescued during the operation, of which 105 were repatriated, while the remaining 14 are being processed.
Receiving the survivors on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, OON, welcomed the returnees and assured them of their safety.
She encouraged them to remain calm while the Government of Nigeria carries out profiling and reintegration processes.
Her engagement with the returnees reflected NAPTIP’s commitment to protecting their dignity, safeguarding their welfare and ensuring that each person receives assistance suited to their individual circumstances.
NAPTIP expressed its 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 its operational support.
The agency specially thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, and all partners whose collaboration made the operation a huge success.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national and international cooperation against human trafficking and related forms of exploitation.
It said it would continue to ensure that individuals identified during such operations receive appropriate screening, protection and support according to their circumstances.
NAPTIP urged Nigerians to exercise serious caution when considering employment, scholarships or other opportunities abroad, especially offers that make unrealistic promises, give vague job descriptions or involve suspicious recruitment arrangements.
