Ghanaian security agencies have arrested 53 Nigerian nationals during a coordinated operation targeting suspected cybercrime centres in several suburbs of the capital, Accra.
The raids, carried out on 16 and 17 January, followed intelligence provided by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), which indicated that a network of cybercrime operations was being run from residential properties.
According to officials, the locations included East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba.
A joint team involving National Security, the CSA, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Police SWAT unit carried out the operation.
Authorities said nine people were arrested as suspects, while 44 others were classified as victims who had been rescued. Investigators believe the latter group may have been lured to Ghana under false pretences and forced to engage in online criminal activity.
Security forces also seized equipment believed to have been used in the operations, including 62 laptop computers, 52 mobile phones and two pump-action guns.
In a statement on Saturday, Communications Minister Sam George said all those arrested had been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigation.
He warned foreign nationals against relying on unverified claims used to entice them to Ghana, adding that the crackdown formed part of an ongoing campaign against cybercrime.
Some individuals arrested in previous operations have been repatriated to Nigeria or are facing prosecution in Ghana, the minister said.
He added that protecting Ghana’s international cyber reputation remained a priority for the government.
