Ghana Commends Nigerian Government and DSS for Successful Rescue of 44 Nationals
The Government of Ghana has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian authorities, with particular recognition for the Department of State Services (DSS), following a coordinated operation that led to the rescue of 44 Ghanaian nationals from a criminal network involved in human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices. This commendation was formally expressed in a statement released by the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, March 22, 2026, underscoring the strong bilateral cooperation between the two West African nations.
Details of the Rescue Operation and Victim Evacuation
According to the statement, the 44 rescued victims, comprising 27 males and 17 females, were safely returned to Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Friday, March 20, 2026. The evacuation was made possible through the joint efforts of the DSS and other security agencies in both Nigeria and Ghana. The victims had been lured by the criminal network through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with false promises of employment and travel opportunities. Upon arrival in Nigeria, they were subjected to exploitative conditions, such as restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme.
The rescue operation was conducted on March 16, 2026, in specific communities within Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Areas in Nigeria, including Imo Ekpo, Ifuho, and Ekpri Nsukara. The victims were received by Mr. Leslie Lawson, an official of the Ghana High Commission, at the DSS office in Uyo, ensuring their safe handover and subsequent repatriation.
Government Response and Ongoing Efforts
In its statement, the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its strong condemnation of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals both domestically and abroad. The government is working closely with Nigerian counterparts and relevant stakeholders to facilitate ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling the criminal networks involved in such activities. Additionally, steps are being taken to ensure the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the rescued victims into society.
The ministry also issued a public advisory, urging citizens to exercise utmost caution, verify all travel and employment opportunities through official channels, and avoid engagement with unverified individuals or entities. This warning follows a previous announcement on March 13, 2026, which cautioned the public against the activities of 'QNET' and similar schemes.
Appreciation for Cross-Border Cooperation
The statement concluded with the Ghanaian government expressing sincere appreciation to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its prompt intervention and continued cooperation in addressing this critical issue. This incident highlights the importance of international collaboration in combating transnational crimes like human trafficking, reinforcing the shared commitment to protecting citizens and promoting security across borders.
