Ghanaian security agencies have arrested 53 Nigerian nationals in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected cybercrime centres across several 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 safeguarding Ghana’s cyberspace and protecting the country’s international digital reputation.
According to the minister, intelligence gathered within the last 48 hours by the Cyber Security Authority identified multiple locations allegedly being used as cybercrime hubs in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba. The intelligence also indicated that young men, mostly foreign nationals, were being exploited and coerced by alleged kingpins to carry out cybercrime-related activities.
Acting on the information, a joint security team comprising operatives from National Security Operations, the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters and the Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit carried out simultaneous raids on January 16 and 17, 2026.
During the operations, nine Nigerian nationals were arrested as principal suspects believed to be coordinating the activities, while 44 others, described as victims of human trafficking and cybercrime exploitation, were rescued from various apartments.
Authorities said the rescued individuals were found operating laptop computers in multiple apartments, suggesting an organised and coordinated cybercrime network. Searches conducted at the locations led to the recovery of 52 mobile phones, 62 laptop computers and two pump-action guns.
A breakdown of the arrests showed that five suspects were picked up in East Legon Hills, 11 in Afienya, 10 in Kwabenya, 10 in Weija and 17 in Tuba, bringing the total number of arrested persons to 53.
Samuel Nartey George said all the suspects have been profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations. He cautioned foreign nationals to verify claims made by individuals who lure them into Ghana with promises of jobs or quick financial gains.
The minister added that suspects arrested in previous operations had been profiled by the Ghana Immigration Service in collaboration with INTERPOL and handed over to Nigerian law enforcement authorities at the Seme border, while others are currently facing prosecution in Ghanaian courts.
“Protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is non-negotiable,” the statement said, commending the Cyber Security Authority and partner law enforcement agencies for the operation.
