Ghanaian authorities have arrested 53 Nigerian nationals in a major intelligence-led operation targeting suspected cybercrime hubs across multiple communities in the Greater Accra Region.
The arrests were confirmed on Sunday by Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, who said the operation was aimed at protecting the country’s cyberspace and preserving its international digital reputation.
George disclosed that intelligence gathered within the past 48 hours by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) led to the identification of several locations allegedly used for coordinated cybercrime activities in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba.
The intelligence reportedly revealed that several young men, mostly foreign nationals, were being coerced and exploited by suspected ringleaders to carry out cyber-related crimes from these locations.
Acting on the intelligence, a joint security task force comprising operatives from National Security Operations, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and the Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit carried out simultaneous raids on January 16 and 17, 2026.
The operation led to the arrest of nine Nigerians identified as key suspects allegedly responsible for organising and coordinating the cybercrime network.
An additional 44 Nigerians were rescued from various apartments and are believed to be victims of human trafficking and cybercrime-related exploitation.
The minister revealed that the rescued individuals were found operating laptops in multiple apartments, a development authorities say points to a highly structured and organised cybercrime syndicate.
Searches carried out at the various locations led to the recovery of items suspected to have been used in committing cyber offences, including 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones and two pump-action guns.
A breakdown of the arrests showed that five suspects were apprehended in East Legon Hills, 11 in Afienya, 10 in Kwabenya, 10 in Weija and 17 in Tuba, bringing the total number of Nigerians arrested 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 warned foreign nationals against falling for deceptive job offers or promises of quick financial gains, urging them to verify claims made by individuals who lure people into Ghana under dubious pretences.
George added that suspects arrested in previous operations had been profiled by the Ghana Immigration Service in collaboration with INTERPOL, with some already handed over to Nigerian authorities at the Seme border, while others are currently facing prosecution in Ghana.
“Protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is non-negotiable,” the minister said, commending the CSA and other law enforcement agencies involved for the successful operation.
