Ghanaian security agencies have arrested 53 Nigerian nationals following a coordinated crackdown on suspected cybercrime operations across multiple communities in the Greater Accra Region.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out between January 16 and 17, 2026, targeting locations believed to be hubs for organised cybercrime activities. Communities affected include East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba.
Confirming the development on Sunday, January 18, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to protect Ghana’s digital space and preserve its international cyber reputation.
According to the minister, intelligence gathered by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) within 48 hours revealed that several apartments were being used for coordinated cybercrime operations. The findings also indicated that many young men—largely foreign nationals—were allegedly coerced or exploited by suspected ringleaders to carry out cyber-related offences.
Based on the intelligence, a joint task force comprising operatives from National Security Operations, the CSA, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, and the Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit conducted simultaneous raids across the identified locations.
During the operation, nine Nigerians were arrested as principal suspects allegedly involved in organising and managing the cybercrime network. An additional 44 Nigerians were rescued from the apartments and are believed to be victims of human trafficking and cybercrime exploitation.
Authorities said the rescued individuals were found operating laptops in various apartments, pointing to what they described as a highly structured and organised syndicate.
Searches at the affected locations led to the recovery of 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action guns, which investigators believe were used in the commission of cyber-related crimes.
A breakdown of the arrests showed that five suspects were apprehended in East Legon Hills, 11 in Afienya, 10 in Kwabenya, 10 in Weija, and 17 in Tuba, bringing the total number of Nigerians arrested to 53.
Minister George said all arrested individuals have been profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations.
He warned foreign nationals against falling victim to deceptive job offers and promises of quick wealth, urging prospective migrants to verify claims made by individuals who entice them into Ghana under false pretences.
The minister also disclosed that suspects from previous operations have been profiled in collaboration with INTERPOL, with some already transferred to Nigerian authorities at the Seme border, while others are currently facing prosecution in Ghana.
“Protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is non-negotiable,” George said, commending the CSA and other security agencies for what he described as a successful and timely operation.