The Ghana Immigration Service has taken custody of 93 Nigerian citizens and rescued 73 individuals who had suffered abuse in an extensive intelligence- driven anti-fraud operation conducted at a residential area in Accra.
The operation, as detailed in a press release dated March 9, 2026, involved immigration officers carrying out raids on six houses situated in the DEVTRACO Estate. Authorities uncovered what they described as a complex internet fraud ring that was allegedly holding victims captive.
Among the 93 individuals arrested, 91 were male and 2 were female, all facing charges connected to suspected involvement in internet fraud and breaches of immigration laws.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Newman Akuffo, who leads the National Operations unit of the Ghana Immigration Service, oversaw the operation.
Law enforcement recovered a substantial amount of equipment thought to be linked to the fraudulent activities, including 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 televisions, counterfeit US dollar bills, and imitation gold bars.
The 73 individuals rescued were reported to have endured severe mistreatment at the hands of their captors and have since been returned to Nigeria.
Initial investigations indicated that some of the detained suspects had entered Ghana through unauthorized routes, while others had overstayed the permissible 90-day visa-free entry.
The Ghana Immigration Service has stated that ongoing investigations are being conducted at its National Headquarters in Accra.
During this crackdown, the Comptroller General of Immigration issued a serious caution to foreign nationals residing in Ghana.
He highlighted the Human Trafficking Act of 2005 (Act 694), which makes it illegal to recruit, transport, or harbor individuals through coercion, deception, or abuse for exploitative purposes. Violators may face imprisonment for terms ranging from 5 to 20 years, with life sentences in cases involving child victims or aggravating circumstances.
Additionally, the Immigration Act of 2000 (Act 573) criminalizes entering Ghana via unapproved routes or exceeding visa limits, with penalties including fines and potential imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 2 years.
This operation stands as one of the largest recent anti-fraud and human trafficking actions in Ghana, amidst increasing pressure on authorities to combat cyber fraud networks active in residential communities.
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