EOCO arrests 219 in major anti-human trafficking operation

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has made significant arrests. They worked with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces. Together, they arrested 219 individuals in West Africa for human trafficking and cybercrime.

This operation was called "Operation Rescue Shield." It targeted criminal networks involved in trafficking and online fraud. The arrested individuals included Nigerians and Ghanaians aged 15 to 38 years. Among them were eleven minors, seven females, and two hundred twelve males.

At a press conference on April 17, EOCO's Acting Executive Director, Abdul Bashiru Dapilah, shared details about the victims. He said they were lured with promises of good jobs but were held hostage instead. They were forced into cybercrime operations at Oyarifa estate.

Dapilah emphasized regional cooperation in fighting these crimes. He reaffirmed EOCO’s commitment to dismantling such networks. Several laptops and other items were seized from the suspects during the operation.

Investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the trafficking. Screening is also underway to separate victims from suspects and juveniles from adults. Dapilah hopes that by April 18, screening will be complete.

He stated that arrangements would be made for victims to return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.