The Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repatriated 44 citizens, comprising 27 males and 17 females, who were rescued after being lured to Akwa Ibom for fraudulent employment and fake travel opportunities in Nigeria.

The victims were rescued on March 16 from human trafficking camps at Umo Ekpo, Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene, and Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo Local Government Area, and were subsequently handed over to Ghanaian officials according to a statement by the ministry.

The statement read, “Further to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ announcement of 13th March 2026 cautioning the public against activities of “QNET” and similar schemes, forty-four (44) Ghanaian nationals have been rescued from a fraudulent recruitment network in Nigeria.”

The foreign ministry stated that the rescued victims “were lured through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with false promises of employment and travel opportunities,” adding that “upon arrival, they were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme.”

The ministry also disclosed that “following a coordinated operation conducted on 16th March, 2026, by Nigerian security authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with relevant Ghanaian institutions, the victims arrived in Accra on 20th March, 2026.”

According to the statement, the Ghanaian government is collaborating with Nigerian authorities to dismantle the criminal networks involved, adding that efforts are underway to ensure the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the victims.

Appreciating the Nigerian government for their prompt intervention and continued cooperation, the Ghanaian ministry warned the public to exercise caution, verify all travel and employment opportunities through official channels, and avoid engaging with unverified individuals or entities.

The ministry had, on February 13, cautioned Ghanaian youths against the activities of individuals and networks associated with “QNET” and other similar schemes, whom they accused of luring citizens to travel out of the country “under false pretences, including promises of employment opportunities, business prospects, and assistance in securing European visas.”