By Adenike Lawal
More than two hundred Nigerians trafficked and forced into cybercrime operations in Ghana are set to return home today in what authorities are calling a major victory against modern-day slavery.
According to a statement from the office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, 231 Nigerians, including 219 young victims, were rescued and will arrive in Lagos on Friday.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu hailed the Ghanaian Economic and Organised Crimes Office for its swift intervention and compassionate handling of the victims.
“This operation stands as a shining example of international cooperation in fighting organised crime,” she said.
Recounting the harrowing ordeal, she revealed that the trafficked youths were confined to about 25 rooms in a single compound where they were forced into online scams.
Many had been locked indoors for weeks and could barely adjust to daylight when freed.
“Some had visible injuries. One had his legs broken for not surrendering his full cybercrime earnings.
“It is a cruel reminder that slavery still exists, only now in new and brutal forms,” she added.
She warned young Nigerians to be wary of enticing job offers abroad that may be a trap. “You were lucky to escape. Others may not get the same chance,” she told the rescued victims.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised the collaboration between Ghana’s EOCO and Nigeria’s anti-trafficking agency, NAPTIP, noting the humane decision not to criminalize the victims.
She encouraged the returnees to embrace rehabilitation and government-backed skill training.
“No matter where you go, home is still the best place to build a future. Allow your country to help you rebuild,” she said.
EOCO’s Executive Director, Mr. Bashiru Dapilah, said intelligence reports led to the raid and credited law-abiding Nigerians in Ghana for aiding the investigation.
He confirmed that the estate owner involved in the operation has been arrested and will be prosecuted.
Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, Nigeria’s envoy in Ghana, emphasized the need for public education to prevent future cases, noting that over three million Nigerians currently live in Ghana.
The rescue highlights the urgent need for vigilance, cooperation, and reintegration efforts as countries confront the evolving face of human trafficking.
