Forty-four Ghanaian nationals have returned home after being rescued from a fraudulent recruitment network in Nigeria that lured them with false promises of jobs and travel.
The rescue, which took place on March 16, was the result of a joint operation between Ghanaian authorities and Nigerian security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).
The victims arrived back in Accra on Friday, March 20.
According to a statement released Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the victims were recruited through social media and informal channels under the guise of legitimate employment. Once they arrived in Nigeria, however, the situation turned into a nightmare of exploitation.
The ministry noted that the individuals were subjected to “restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme.”
This incident follows a previous warning issued by the Ministry on March 13 regarding “QNET” and similar deceptive recruitment operations targeting unsuspecting citizens.
In the official release, the government of Ghana expressed its gratitude to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its “prompt intervention and continued cooperation” in dismantling these criminal networks.
“The government reiterates its strong condemnation of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices and remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals,” the ministry stated.
Authorities are now focused on the “protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration” of the 44 survivors.
Meanwhile, the public is being urged to verify all overseas travel and job offers through official channels to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
