By Ochiaka Ugwu
Ghanaian government has announced the rescue of 44 of its nationals from human traffickers in Nigeria.
The victims were reported to be tricked from Ghana to Nigeria with promises of bogus job opportunities.
In a statement released by Ghana’s Foreign Ministry Saturday, it noted that the rescued Ghanaians arrived in Accra on Friday.
It informed the rescue was done in partnership with Nigerian authorities.
The victims, according to the statement, were lured from Ghana to Nigeria and into the scheme through a deceptive job and travel offer.
These fraudulent opportunities are advertised on social media and informal recruitment platforms, the statement noted.
When they arrived in Nigeria, however, they were “subjected to exploitative conditions” and forced to entice others to join the scheme.
“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 statement read in part.
The ministry identified one of the recruitment platforms used to lure the victims as Qnet.
It further warned citizens against “activities of ‘QNET’ and similar schemes” operating in Nigeria.
The country said it facilitated their return following a “coordinated operation” carried out by Nigeria’s State Security Service in partnership with “relevant” Ghanaian agencies.
An investigation has also commenced to identify the full scope of the syndicate’s activities and whether more victims remain in captivity.
In its statement, Ghana expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for what it described as a swift and coordinated intervention.
It also added that “the Government of Ghana is working closely with its Nigerian counterparts and relevant stakeholders to facilitate ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal networks involved.
“Steps are also being taken to ensure the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims” the statement concluded.
Penultimate week, authorities in Ghana arrested 93 Nigerians over alleged cybercrime and human trafficking activities in Accra, while rescuing 73 other Nigerians reportedly subjected to torture and abuse.
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