12 Nigerians Arrested Over Alleged Cyber Fraud, Human Trafficking

A joint security operation involving the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Surveillance Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and the Ghana Immigration Service has led to the arrest of twelve Nigerian nationals suspected to be involved in organised cyber fraud and human-trafficking related activities.

Six other suspects, also believed to be Nigerian nationals, are currently on the run and are being pursued for illegal migration-related offences contrary to the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

The targeted operation was carried out on March 12, 2026, and was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Malaika Jibril Alhassan, from the Police Headquarters, and Superintendent Mr Francis Baidoo of the Amasaman Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service.

Items retrieved

A search conducted at the premises resulted in the retrieval of suspected cybercrime tools, including twenty-five laptop computers and seven mobile phones believed to have been used in fraudulent activities.

Police said the suspects attempted to obstruct the operation by releasing German Shepherd dogs on the officers. Reinforcements from the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team and the CID Surveillance Unit were subsequently called in to secure the premises and ensure the success of the operation.

Nature of Suspected Offences

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly involved in multiple cyber-related crimes, including internet fraud, identity theft, phishing and email scams, mobile money fraud, cyber extortion, credit card and ATM fraud, as well as electronic forgery.

According to investigators, the alleged offences fall under several laws, including the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772), the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), and the Ghana Immigration Service Regulations (L.I. 2245).

Security officials say the operation highlights the growing link between cybercrime networks and transnational migration activities, stressing that intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration remain key to dismantling such criminal groups.

The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to strict law enforcement, intelligence gathering and cooperation with sister security agencies to safeguard national security and protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital and migration space.