Ghana Detains 53 Nigerians in Major Cybercrime Operation

Ghanaian security agencies have carried out a sweeping operation aimed at protecting the country’s digital space.

Authorities in Ghana have detained 53 Nigerian nationals following an intelligence-driven crackdown on suspected cybercrime centres across multiple communities in the Greater Accra Region.

The arrests were confirmed on Sunday by Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation.

According to the minister, intelligence gathered by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) over a 48-hour period revealed the existence of several locations allegedly being used for coordinated cybercrime activities.

The locations identified include:

• East Legon Hills

• Afienya

• Kwabenya

• Weija

• Tuba

Investigators reported that some young men, many of them foreign nationals, were allegedly being coerced and exploited by suspected ringleaders to carry out cybercrime operations from these locations.

Acting on the intelligence, a joint task force conducted simultaneous raids on January 16 and 17, 2026.

The operation involved personnel from:

• National Security Operations

• Cyber Security Authority (CSA)

• Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters

• Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit

The coordinated effort led to multiple arrests and rescues across the affected areas.

Out of the 53 Nigerians detained, authorities made an important distinction.

• Nine individuals were arrested as key suspects allegedly involved in organizing and managing the cybercrime network

• Forty-four individuals were rescued from various apartments and are believed to be victims of cybercrime and human trafficking

The minister explained that the rescued individuals were found using laptops in different apartments, pointing to what investigators described as a structured and organized syndicate.

Searches carried out at the locations led to the recovery of several items believed to be linked to cybercrime activities, including:

• 62 laptops

• 52 mobile phones

• Two pump-action rifles

All recovered items have been taken into custody as part of ongoing investigations into the cybercrime arrests in Ghana.

Authorities provided a location-by-location breakdown of the arrests:

• East Legon Hills: 5 individuals

• Afienya: 11 individuals

• Kwabenya: 10 individuals

• Weija: 10 individuals

• Tuba: 17 individuals

This brings the total number of Nigerians detained during the operation 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 also disclosed that the Immigration Service is working with INTERPOL to process suspects arrested in both current and previous operations.

According to him, some individuals from earlier cases have already been handed over to Nigerian authorities at the Seme border, while others are facing prosecution in Ghana.

The minister used the opportunity to issue a public warning.

He urged foreigners to verify claims made by individuals who lure them into Ghana under questionable promises, particularly offers of quick wealth or informal employment.

“Protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is non-negotiable,” George said, while commending the CSA and partner agencies for the success of the operation.