By Atlantic Reports

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has received 105 Nigerians repatriated from Ghana following a coordinated operation against cybercrime syndicates.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agency’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye, said Ghanaian authorities reported rescuing 119 Nigerians during the operation. The remaining 14 were still being processed.

The statement did not explain the circumstances in which each person was found or establish their individual roles within the syndicates. Being identified during the operation does not, by itself, establish involvement in criminal activity.

Cross-border cooperation

Adekoye said the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinated Nigeria’s response after Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority contacted NAPTIP.

According to the statement, NAPTIP led the participating Nigerian agencies and institutions, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency.

The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also participated.

NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu-Bello thanked Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority and Immigration Service, as well as the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, for operational support.

The account did not provide details of arrests, charges or the locations where the Nigerians were found.

Screening and reintegration

Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, Adamu-Bello assured them of their safety and urged them to remain calm during profiling and reintegration processes.

She said the agency would protect their dignity and provide assistance suited to each person’s circumstances.

“It will continue to ensure that individuals identified during such operations receive appropriate screening, protection and support according to their circumstances,” she said.

The statement did not specify a timetable for reintegration or detail the services available to the returnees. It also did not say when the remaining 14 Nigerians were expected to return.

For those repatriated, the immediate priority is screening that identifies their protection needs and connects them with appropriate support.

Warning over overseas offers

Adamu-Bello urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering employment, scholarships and other opportunities abroad.

She warned against offers involving unrealistic promises, vague job descriptions or suspicious recruitment arrangements.

NAPTIP said it would continue strengthening national and international cooperation against human trafficking and related exploitation, alongside protection and support for people identified during such operations.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.