In a major breakthrough against transnational organized crime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has rescued 46 victims of human trafficking and arrested 7 suspects involved in both human trafficking and transnational cybercrime.
According to an official statement, the first operation stemmed from intelligence received from INTERPOL NCB Accra, which prompted swift action by Nigerian operatives. Thirty-one victims trafficked from Ghana into Nigeria under the guise of overseas employment were rescued. The victims were deceived with promises of work in Europe but were coerced into fraudulent internet marketing activities associated with the QNET network, a known syndicate operating across borders.
Investigations revealed that one Samuel Dankwah Opoku, a Ghanaian, was misled by George Tenkron, who claimed he could secure him a job in Spain. Opoku paid GHC 30,000 to Attah Amankwaah, another Ghanaian based in Nigeria and a key QNET figure. Upon arrival, he was entrapped in an exploitative online scam operation. Six suspects, including Amankwaah, were arrested during a raid on their base, with incriminating evidence recovered. All rescued individuals have since been handed over to the Ghana High Commission in Abuja for repatriation and support.
In a separate case, a distress alert received on June 17, 2025, led to the arrest of 39-year-old Achiaa Grace Afrifa, who allegedly defrauded four Ghanaian nationals of GHC 126,000 by promising them jobs in Nigeria. Acting swiftly, operatives tracked her to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where 15 victims were rescued the following day at her residence on Ikot Ebido Street.
All seven suspects from both operations remain in custody and will face prosecution following the completion of investigations.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauded the collaborative effort of INTERPOL, the Ghana High Commission, and the NPF operatives. He reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to eradicating trafficking networks, combating cybercrime, and safeguarding human rights through enhanced international law enforcement cooperation.
