Cybercrimes

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has received 105 Nigerians rescued from cybercrime syndicates in Ghana during a coordinated security operation.

According to a statement issued on Monday by NAPTIP’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye, the operation was coordinated by Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser following a report from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.

The Ghanaian authorities said 119 Nigerians were rescued during the operation, with 105 repatriated to Nigeria while the remaining 14 were undergoing processing.

Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Nigerian government, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Lami Adamu Bello assured them of their safety and said they would undergo profiling and reintegration processes to determine their individual needs.

The operation involved several Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies, alongside Ghanaian authorities and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency.

NAPTIP commended the agencies and international partners for their collaboration, reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking and related exploitation.

The agency also urged Nigerians to exercise caution when considering overseas employment, scholarships and other opportunities, particularly offers involving unrealistic promises, unclear job descriptions or suspicious recruitment arrangements.

By Maryam Ahmad

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 50 suspected cybercriminals, believed to be Nigerians, in a major operation targeting organised online crime, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The suspects were allegedly involved in romance scams, online investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and illegal online gold trading.

The raid was led by the Cybersecurity Authority in collaboration with the National Security and the Ghana Police Service. During the operation, security agencies seized 54 laptops, 39 mobile phones, and several internet devices and routers believed to have been used in illicit activities.

Government officials said the arrests demonstrate Ghana’s strong commitment to protecting its digital space and combating organised cybercrime. They added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be taken through the legal process.

Authorities also reiterated their resolve to strengthen cybersecurity enforcement as online fraud continues to pose a growing challenge in the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, have arrested 19 individuals linked to internet fraud in a series of operations across Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

The suspects were apprehended after credible intelligence suggested their involvement in various forms of cybercrime, which include romance scams, phishing, and identity theft.

The operation, which was carried out across different locations within the city, led to the recovery of several high-end items, including seven luxury cars, laptops, and mobile phones.

These items are believed to have been acquired through illicit online activities.

The suspects, whose identities have not been fully disclosed, are said to have made useful statements to EFCC investigators.

The arrested individuals are expected to face charges related to cybercrime and other fraudulent activities once investigations are concluded.

The EFCC has vowed to continue its fight against internet fraud and other financial crimes, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the EFCC is also working on measures to track and dismantle criminal networks involved in cyber fraud across the country.

Recall that the commission has warned individuals involved in such illegal activities that they will face the full force of the law.

The EFCC further noted that internet fraud remains a top priority in its efforts to curb financial crimes and protect citizens from financial exploitation.

The suspects, currently in EFCC custody, will soon be charged to court for prosecution as part of the commission’s commitment to bringing fraudsters to justice.

The EFCC has also pledged to strengthen its collaborations with international agencies to combat cross-border cybercrime.