EOCO rescues young Nigerians forced into online Fraud

A coordinated intelligence-led operation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has uncovered a cross-border cybercrime trafficking scheme, leading to the rescue of seven Nigerian nationals who were being exploited in Ghana. The victims were freed during a decisive swoop on Friday, November 14, 2025, under EOCO’s ongoing anti-trafficking initiative, Operation LIFELINE.

According to EOCO, a total of ten Nigerian nationals were picked up during the raid—three suspected traffickers and seven victims aged between 17 and 30. Investigators said the victims had been tricked into travelling to Ghana with promises of legitimate jobs, only to be forced into executing online fraud activities under harsh and coercive conditions.

Preliminary findings indicate that the traffickers operated a well-structured network designed to recruit unsuspecting young people from Nigeria and transport them to Ghana for cybercrime operations. Victims were allegedly subjected to intimidation, long hours of work, restricted movement, and threats of violence if they refused to comply.

EOCO is urging the public to be alert to signs of suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods and to report such cases promptly. The agency also cautioned landlords to thoroughly screen foreign tenants before renting out properties, stressing that some residential facilities are increasingly being used as operational hubs for cyber fraud syndicates.

In a strong warning, EOCO reiterated that individuals who participate in, support, or shelter cybercriminal operations will be pursued and prosecuted. The Office reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling organised crime networks and protecting vulnerable individuals who are exploited for illegal digital activities.

Operation LIFELINE, launched to tackle human trafficking linked to cybercrime, continues to intensify across the country.