Ghanaian Authorities Arrest 53 Nigerians in Major Cybercrime Bust

A joint security operation led by the Cyber Security Authority has resulted in the arrest of 53 Nigerian nationals and the rescue of 44 suspected victims from alleged cybercrime centres operating in parts of the Greater Accra Region. The operations were carried out on January, 16 and 17, 2026, after intelligence gathered by the Cyber Security Authority Ghana pointed to suspected criminal networks exploiting young men for cybercrime activities in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba. The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Sam George, announced the arrests in a Facebook post on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He said nine of those arrested were suspected ringleaders, while 44 others, believed to be victims, were rescued from apartments where they were found operating laptop computers. According to Mr George, the operation involved officers from National Security Operations, the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters and the National Police SWAT unit. Searches conducted at the targeted locations led to the retrieval of 52 assorted mobile phones, 62 laptop computers and two pump action guns, officials said. The arrests were recorded across five locations. Five suspects were picked up at East Legon Hills, 11 at Afienya, 10 at Kwabenya, 10 at Weija and 17 at Tuba. All those arrested have been profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for custody and further investigations. Mr George cautioned foreign nationals who receive invitations to Ghana to verify claims made by their compatriots before travelling to the country. He said individuals arrested in earlier operations have been profiled by the Ghana Immigration Service and INTERPOL and handed over to Nigerian law enforcement officers at the Seme border. Others, he added, are currently facing prosecution in Ghanaian courts. “Protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is non-negotiable,” Mr George stated. Security agencies say the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime activities and protect the country’s standing in the digital space.