The Government of Ghana has commended Nigerian authorities, particularly the Department of State Services, for rescuing 44 Ghanaian nationals from a criminal network involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said the rescued victims were safely returned to Accra on Friday.
It noted that the evacuation followed a coordinated operation involving the DSS and other security agencies in both Nigeria and Ghana.
The victims, comprising 27 males and 17 females, were rescued from locations in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
They were later received by an official of the Ghana High Commission, Mr Leslie Lawson, at the DSS office in Uyo before their return to Ghana.
According to the statement, the victims were lured into Nigeria through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with promises of employment and travel opportunities.
The statement by the Ghana High Commission read, “Further to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announcement of 13 March, 2026, cautioning the public against activities of ‘QNET’ and similar schemes, forty-four (44) Ghanaian nationals have been rescued from a fraudulent recruitment network in Nigeria.
“Affected individuals were lured through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with false promises of employment and travel opportunities.
“Upon arrival, they were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme.”
The ministry disclosed that the victims were rescued during an operation conducted on March 16, 2026, in collaboration with relevant Ghanaian institutions, and were repatriated to Accra on March 20, 2026.
It added that both countries are working together to dismantle the criminal networks behind the scheme, while efforts are ongoing to ensure the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims.
“The Ministry expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its prompt intervention and continued cooperation.
“Government reiterates its strong condemnation of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices and remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals,” the statement added.
The ministry also urged the public to exercise caution by verifying travel and employment opportunities through official channels and avoiding engagement with unverified individuals or organisations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens at home and abroad.
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