Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals and rescued 73 victims of torture and abuse following a major intelligence led anti-fraud operation targeting a residential estate in Accra.

The operation which was led by the Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Newman Akuffo of the Ghana Immigration Service's National Operations unit was announced in a press statement on Monday March 9, 2026.

The release also stated that immigration officers raid six houses within the DEVTRACO Estate, uncovering what authorities describe as a sophisticated internet fraud network that had been holding victims against their will.

“…of the 93 arrested, 91 are male, and 2 are female. All face charges related to alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration offenses,” the statement said.

Officers recovered a significant haul of equipment believed to have been used to run the fraud scheme, including 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit US dollars, and fake gold bars.

GIS arrests 11 foreign nationals over counterfeit money printing, cyber fraud

According to investigators the 73 victims who were rescued had endured severe torture and abuse at the hands of the suspects and have since been repatriated to Nigeria.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the suspects entered Ghana through unapproved border routes, while others overstayed their 90-day visa-free entry.

The authority says further investigations are ongoing at its National Headquarters in Accra.

The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), he noted, prohibits recruiting, transporting, or harbouring individuals through force, fraud, or abuse for exploitation, with penalties ranging from 5 to 20 years' imprisonment, and life sentences where child victims or aggravating factors are involved.

Under the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), entering Ghana via unapproved routes or overstaying a visa is also a criminal offence, carrying penalties of fines and between 3 months and 2 years imprisonment upon conviction.

SO/VPO

Rev Dr Ebenezer Conduah arrested and remanded into custody