Ghana Commends Nigeria, DSS For Rescuing 44 Trafficked Nationals
The Government of Ghana has commended Nigerian authorities, particularly the Department of State
Services (DSS), for rescuing 44 Ghanaian nationals from a human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment
network operating in Nigeria.
The commendation was conveyed in a statement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on
Saturday, March 21, 2026, following the successful rescue and repatriation of the victims.
According to the statement, the victims, comprising 27 males and 17 females, were lured to Nigeria
through deceptive job offers circulated via social media and informal recruitment channels.
The ministry disclosed that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation on March 16, 2026,
carried out by the DSS in collaboration with other Nigerian and Ghanaian security agencies.
The operation took place in communities within Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa
Ibom State, including Imo Ekpo, Ifuho, and Ekpri Nsukara, where the victims were reportedly held under
exploitative conditions.
Authorities said the trafficked individuals were subjected to restricted movement, psychological
coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the fraudulent scheme.
Following their rescue, the victims were handed over to officials of the Ghana High Commission in
Nigeria before being safely repatriated to Accra on March 20, 2026.
The Ghanaian government described the rescue as a product of strong bilateral cooperation and
expressed appreciation to Nigeria for its swift intervention and continued support in protecting foreign
nationals.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to dismantle the criminal
network responsible, while ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims.
The ministry further warned the public to verify travel and employment opportunities through official
channels, stressing the need for vigilance against fraudulent recruitment schemes.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
