Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerian nationals rescued during a joint operation targeting suspected cybercrime networks operating in the country.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the development in a post on X on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, thanking the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for facilitating the repatriation.
According to the minister, the operation, codenamed Operation Cyberhunt, was conducted by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with intelligence and security agencies from Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
George said the Nigerians had allegedly been trafficked to Ghana and forced to participate in cybercrime activities.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of electronic devices, vehicles, passports and other items believed to be connected to the suspected criminal activities.
Ghana Repatriates 120 Nigerians After Cybercrime Crackdown
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Announcing the development, George said the repatriation followed coordinated efforts by security agencies to dismantle cybercrime networks and rescue people allegedly exploited by criminal groups.
The minister acknowledged the support of the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence in ensuring the Nigerians were returned home.
The operation highlights the importance of cooperation between countries in tackling cybercrime, human trafficking and other forms of organised criminal activity that can cross international borders.
Authorities have not provided further individual details about the 120 Nigerians, including their identities, ages or the circumstances under which each person was recruited or taken to Ghana.
The circumstances surrounding their alleged trafficking and involvement in cybercrime operations may require further investigation by the relevant authorities.
Operation Cyberhunt Targets Suspected Criminal Networks
According to George, Operation Cyberhunt was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority with assistance from intelligence and security agencies in Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The multinational collaboration was aimed at addressing cybercrime activities and identifying individuals connected to the suspected networks.
Cybercrime operations can involve a range of offences, including online fraud, identity theft, financial scams and the unauthorised use of digital systems. However, the precise offences allegedly committed by individuals connected to this operation have not been fully detailed in the information released by the minister.
The participation of agencies from several countries reflects the international nature of many cybercrime investigations, which may involve victims, suspects, digital infrastructure and financial transactions located in different jurisdictions.
Cooperation between security agencies can help investigators share intelligence, identify potential victims and gather evidence for criminal proceedings.
Phones, Laptops and Vehicles Seized
The minister said the operation resulted in the seizure of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles.
Authorities also recovered other digital equipment and items considered relevant to the investigation.
One of the seized vehicles was reportedly identified as having been stolen from Canada, adding an international dimension to the investigation.
The recovery of electronic devices could assist investigators in examining communications, digital records and other information potentially linked to the suspected criminal activities.
However, the seizure of a device does not automatically establish that its owner or user committed an offence. Investigators would need to examine the evidence and determine whether it supports any criminal allegations.
The authorities have not publicly provided a full inventory of the seized equipment or detailed how each item was allegedly connected to the suspected networks.
Nigerian Passports and Jewellery Recovered
George also disclosed that the search team recovered high-value items, including jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.
The circumstances surrounding the passports, including who they belonged to and how they came to be in the locations searched, have not been fully explained in the announcement.
The recovery of travel documents may be relevant to investigations into possible trafficking, recruitment or movement of individuals across borders.
Authorities will need to establish the circumstances in which the documents were obtained and whether they were connected to any suspected criminal activity.
The minister’s statement did not provide a detailed valuation of the jewellery or clarify whether the items had been reported stolen.
Eight Individuals Being Processed for Prosecution
Beyond the repatriation of the 120 Nigerians, George said authorities were processing eight other individuals for prosecution.
The announcement did not provide their nationalities, identities or the specific offences they may face.
The next stage of the process will depend on the outcome of investigations and decisions by the relevant prosecuting authorities.
Any individuals charged in connection with the operation would be entitled to due process, and the allegations against them would need to be established through the applicable legal procedures.
The distinction between people rescued from suspected criminal networks and individuals being investigated for possible offences is important as authorities continue to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.
Ghana Vows to Fight Cybercrime
George said Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama, would remain an unfavourable destination for cybercriminals.
His statement signals the government’s intention to continue efforts against cybercrime and organised networks operating within the country.
Operation Cyberhunt also underscores the need to address the human trafficking dimension of criminal activity, particularly where individuals may be recruited or transported under deceptive or coercive circumstances.
For Nigeria, the repatriation of the 120 nationals marks the return of people whom Ghanaian authorities say were rescued during the operation.
Further information from Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities could clarify the circumstances of their recruitment, the support available to those returned and the outcome of investigations into the suspected networks.
For now, the operation has resulted in the repatriation of 120 Nigerians, the seizure of electronic equipment and other property, and the reported processing of eight individuals for prosecution as authorities continue their efforts against suspected cybercrime networks.
Matching report: Ghana Repatriates 120 Nigerians Rescued From Cybercrime Networks
