The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended Ghanaian authorities for their successful operation that rescued 219 young Nigerians who had been trafficked to Ghana and coerced into cybercrime. This initiative has been recognised as a crucial advancement in the battle against organised crime in the region.
During her visit to the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed her appreciation for the professionalism displayed by the Ghanaian operatives and the compassionate treatment of the victims.
“I am deeply appreciative of how these young men were treated with dignity during their rescue,” she remarked.
A statement from the Minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, indicated that Odumegwu-Ojukwu was in Ghana for the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During her visit, she condemned the exploitation of vulnerable youth, labelling human trafficking as “modern slavery” and “man’s inhumanity to man”.
She cautioned Nigerian youth to be cautious of alluring job offers abroad, warning that such promises could lead to their enslavement while reflecting on the distressing conditions faced by the victims.
“Prior to their rescue, these boys had been locked up in about 25 rooms within the estate where they were used to perpetrate cybercrimes. At the time of their arrest, many of them had been confined inside with computers for weeks, unable to see the light of day,” she recounted.
Mr. Eze further noted that in her address to the victims, the Minister underscored the significance of seizing this opportunity for rehabilitation. “Count yourselves lucky. Many have not had such a chance. When you return home, allow the government to equip you with skills through our intervention programmes,” she advised.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to citizen-centred diplomacy and initiatives designed to offer vocational training to the youth to combat unemployment. “The Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration includes programmes that empower our youth, steering them away from crime,” she added.
The Executive Director of EOCO, Mr. Bashiru Dapilah, disclosed that the operation was carried out based on intelligence gathered. “We are not viewing this solely as a Nigerian crime; it involves collaboration between our two nations. We arrested the owner of the estate where the victims were kept, and he will face prosecution,” he explained.
Dapilah acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian community in Ghana, emphasising their positive influence on the local economy. “The majority of Nigerians here are law-abiding citizens, significantly contributing to Ghana’s development, particularly in sectors like trade and hospitality,” he remarked.
As a result of this operation, approximately 231 young Nigerians are scheduled to return to Lagos on Friday, where they will be welcomed by government officials. The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana has played a crucial role in facilitating this collaboration, with Chargé D’Affaires Ambassador Dayo Adeoye advocating for enhanced awareness and preventive measures against trafficking.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu concluded by stressing the necessity of bilateral cooperation in combating organised crime, assuring that Nigeria is prepared to support Ghana in these efforts. “Together, we can combat the scourge of trafficking and ensure a safer environment for our youth,” she stated.
