50 Nigerians arrested at McCarthy Hills over suspected human trafficking, cybercrime

Ghanaian immigration authorities have apprehended around 50 Nigerian nationals during a targeted early morning operation at McCarthy Hills, located in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. The arrests follow intelligence reports linking the group to illegal residency, suspected human trafficking, and cybercrime.

In a statement released on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and signed by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration M. Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) confirmed the arrests and outlined the purpose of the operation. The Service said the raid was initiated after receiving credible information that some foreign nationals had been trafficked into Ghana and were being forced to commit cyber fraud.

“The Ghana Immigration Service in the early hours of today, July 24, 2025, conducted a special operation at McCarthy Hills in the Ga South Municipality. The operation was based on intelligence gathered on the illegal stay of some foreign nationals in the area, some of whom were trafficked into the country and forced into cyber fraud by their facilitators,” the statement said.

Authorities reported that the individuals arrested had allegedly been brought into the country through trafficking networks and compelled by their handlers to participate in online scam operations. GIS believes the criminal scheme was being coordinated from a residential property at McCarthy Hills.

Also taken into custody was the landlord of the apartment complex where the suspected illegal activities were being carried out. The premises are believed to have served both as housing for the trafficked individuals and a base for the cybercrime operations.

The Immigration Service has launched investigations to determine the extent of the network and the number of people involved. Officials have assured the public that updates will be issued as the probe continues.