Ghanaian police have confirmed the rescue of 76 citizens trafficked to Nigeria under a fraudulent recruitment scheme. The victims, mostly young men, were deceived with false promises of football contracts, overseas job opportunities, and visa assistance.
According to the authorities, the trafficking network targeted vulnerable youth desperate for better prospects. Recruiters posed as agents for international football clubs or employment agencies and convinced victims to travel to Nigeria with the hope of securing lucrative deals.
Once in Nigeria, however, the victims were held under exploitative conditions, with their travel documents seized. Some were subjected to forced labour, while others were left stranded without food, shelter, or a means of returning home.
The Ghana Police Service, working in collaboration with Nigerian law enforcement and international partners, facilitated the rescue operation. Efforts are currently underway to repatriate the victims and provide them with psychosocial support and reintegration services.
In a statement, police urged the public to be cautious of job offers and recruitment schemes that sound too good to be true, especially those advertised through unofficial channels. Authorities also warned that human trafficking syndicates are becoming more sophisticated in exploiting the dreams of young Ghanaians.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cross-border trafficking in West Africa, where economic hardship continues to fuel desperate migration. Law enforcement agencies say investigations are ongoing to dismantle the trafficking network and bring the perpetrators to justice.
