Dare Babalola
Ghanaian authorities have arrested 53 Nigerian nationals in a sweeping intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected cybercrime hubs across several communities in Accra’s Greater Region.
Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, confirmed the arrests on Sunday, saying they were part of efforts to protect the country’s cyberspace and international digital reputation.
The minister said intelligence from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) revealed multiple locations in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija, and Tuba were allegedly used for cybercrime activities, based on data gathered within the last 48 hours.
Intelligence revealed several young men, mostly foreign nationals, were allegedly being coerced and exploited by suspected ringleaders to carry out cybercrimes from these locations.
A joint security task force, including National Security Operations, CSA, CID, and Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit, raided the locations on January 16 and 17, 2026, based on the information.
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 organised 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.
“Protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is non-negotiable,” George stated, commending the CSA and partnering law enforcement agencies for the successful operation.
