ACCRA: The Government of Ghana has applauded Nigerian authorities, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), for rescuing 44 Ghanaian nationals from a criminal syndicate that allegedly lured foreigners with false promises of employment opportunities.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, the Ghanaian government confirmed that the victims were safely repatriated to Accra on Friday after being rescued from the network operating in parts of Nigeria.
According to the statement, the successful evacuation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the DSS and other security agencies in both Ghana and Nigeria.
The rescued individuals consisted of 27 men and 17 women who had been trafficked into Nigeria through fraudulent recruitment schemes.
They were reportedly rescued by operatives of the DSS from several communities in Uyo and neighbouring areas in Akwa Ibom State, including locations in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Following their rescue, the victims were received by an official of the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria, identified as Leslie Lawson, at the DSS office in Uyo before arrangements were made for their return home.
Deceptive recruitment scheme
The Ghanaian authorities revealed that the victims had been deceived through social media platforms and informal recruitment channels with promises of lucrative jobs and travel opportunities abroad.
However, upon arriving in Nigeria, they were allegedly subjected to harsh and exploitative conditions.
According to the statement, the victims experienced restricted movement, psychological manipulation and pressure to recruit additional victims into the scheme.
The Ghanaian government noted that many of the victims were tricked into joining schemes associated with fraudulent operations, including those linked to entities such as QNET and similar recruitment networks.
Forty-four Ghanaian nationals have been rescued from a fraudulent recruitment network in Nigeria,” the statement said.
Affected individuals were lured through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with false promises of employment and travel opportunities
The victims were eventually rescued during a coordinated security operation conducted on March 16 by Nigerian security agencies, led by the DSS, working closely with relevant Ghanaian institutions.
Authorities confirmed that the rescued individuals arrived safely in Accra on March 20 after arrangements were made for their evacuation.
The Ghanaian government also disclosed that both countries are continuing to collaborate in efforts aimed at dismantling the criminal syndicates responsible for the trafficking operation.
While condemning human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices, the Ghanaian government expressed appreciation to the Nigerian authorities for their swift intervention.
The statement praised Nigeria’s prompt action and the continued cooperation between both countries in addressing cross-border crimes.
The Ministry expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its prompt intervention and continued cooperation,” the statement said.
Ghanaian authorities said steps are currently being taken to provide support for the rescued victims, including rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to help them recover from the ordeal.
Officials also stressed that the government remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaian citizens both at home and abroad.
The Ghanaian government further advised citizens to exercise caution when pursuing employment or travel opportunities abroad.
Authorities urged the public to verify job offers and recruitment programmes through official channels and to avoid dealing with unverified individuals or organisations.
The statement reiterated Ghana’s determination to combat human trafficking and ensure that those behind such criminal activities are brought to justice.
