Ghana has repatriated 120 Nigerians arrested during a cybercrime crackdown, with authorities alleging that they were trafficked to the country and forced to participate in cybercrime activities.

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, announced the development in a post on X on Tuesday, thanking the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for their role in facilitating the repatriation.

The operation, codenamed Operation Cyberhunt, was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with intelligence and security agencies from Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

George said the operation led to the rescue of 120 Nigerians who were allegedly trafficked to Ghana and forced to participate in cybercrime activities.

He wrote, “My sincere gratitude goes to the #ghana_airforce and the #modghana for facilitating the repatriation of 120 Nigerian nationals who were arrested during #OperationCyberhunt.

“This sting operation, led by the #CSAGhana in conjunction with other intelligence and security agencies locally and in the UK, Nigeria and the US, led to the rescue of the 120 persons who had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to work in these cybercrime setups.”

During the operation, security operatives recovered 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles, one of which was reportedly stolen from Canada.

Investigators also seized other digital equipment, valuable jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.

“The operation seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connection devices, four motor vehicles, one of which was stolen from Canada, and other digital equipment. The search team also recovered high-value items, including jewellery and ten (10) Nigerian passports,” he added.

George added that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution as investigations continued.

He said Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, would not serve as a safe haven for cybercriminals.

“The team is processing 8 other persons for prosecution, and Ghana under President #JDMahama will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals. For God and Country, the statement added.”