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Crime and Investigation

PHOTOS: EOCO arrests 219 foreign nationals in major cybercrime and human trafficking bust

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The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with National Security, the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the Ghana Armed Forces, has arrested 219 foreign nationals in a major operation targeting cybercrime and human trafficking networks in Accra.

Dubbed “Operation Rescue Shield,” the swoop was carried out at an estate in Oyarifa, in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. The operation follows the EOCO/NCA UK Reporting Fraud Campaign launched on March 5, 2025, and marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to clamp down on transnational organised crime.

Most of the suspects are young Nigerian males who were reportedly lured into Ghana with false promises of lucrative job opportunities, only to be coerced into illegal cyber activities upon arrival. “Unfortunately, since there are no lucrative jobs existing, they took them hostages and confined them at Oyarifa and were forced to go into cybercrime and cybercrime-related activities,” said Acting Executive Director of EOCO, Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, during a press briefing last Thursday.

He confirmed that 11 of the individuals rescued during the raid were minors, and screening at EOCO’s offices revealed that 35 of the suspects were directly involved in trafficking the victims.

Items retrieved from the site included laptops, personal belongings, and foodstuff, believed to have been used to support the illegal operations. Mr Dapilah described the development as “a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking.”

The Nigerian High Commission has since visited EOCO’s premises and engaged with both the victims and suspects. According to Mr Dapilah, “Screening is ongoing and by tomorrow we should be able to complete the screening and be possible to link and make arrangements to send the victims back to their home countries.”

He added that EOCO, in conjunction with the CID, is pursuing leads uncovered during the operation and plans to intensify coordinated efforts to dismantle similar trafficking syndicates operating across the region.

This latest bust underscores growing concerns over the rise in organised human trafficking networks operating under the guise of job recruitment, often preying on vulnerable youth across West Africa. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment schemes, especially those targeting unemployed youth with promises of overseas or high-paying local jobs.

Source: Graphic Online

Crime and Investigation

Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation

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Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation

The Nsawam District Police Command has arrested five individuals in connection with the kidnapping of two men travelling from Accra to Anyinam, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation. The victims were rescued safely and are in stable condition.

Police reports indicate that on January 10, 2026, the Command received credible intelligence that the two men had been abducted and moved to an undisclosed location. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of GH¢400,000 from the victims’ family and later instructed them to make an initial payment of GH¢5,000.

Acting on the information, officers from the Nsawam District Police, with support from the Suhum Police Command, mounted an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects at a drinking spot near the Suhum Roundabout.

The suspects have been identified as Suleman Salifu, 24; Godfred Owusu, 26; Antwi Bismark, 27; Anas Salis, 38; and Gyamfi Isaac, 33. The victims, Seidu Sambiane, 28, and Ibrahim Alhassan, 42, were rescued during the operation without harm.

A search of an unregistered Acura 4×4 vehicle allegedly used by the suspects resulted in the recovery of several items, including forged GH¢100 and GH¢200 notes, specimen papers cut to the size of currency notes, and an amount of GH¢4,600 in cash. Police also retrieved a pistol, a cutlass, talismans and amulets, as well as five mobile phones.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations as police prepare to take further legal action.

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Crime and Investigation

Police Arrest 120 Suspects in Major Crackdown on Drug Dealers and Criminal Gangs in East Legon

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A major police operation aimed at curbing illicit drug activities and criminal gangs in the East Legon area has resulted in the arrest of 120 suspects, including six women.

After the arrests, all suspects were taken to the East Legon Police Station, where screening is ongoing to identify individuals linked to specific criminal activities and those suspected of dealing in illegal drugs.

According to a police report, the operation was led by ACP Saviour Ahiamadi and supported by several senior officers from Police Headquarters. These included DSP Malaika-Jibril Alhassan, DSP Richard Beriko, ASP Afram, ASP Sarpong, and ASP Imoro from the Accra Region.

The exercise was a joint effort involving officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Operations Directorate, as well as the Accra and East Legon Regional Commands. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the police to enhance security and maintain law and order in the area.

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Crime and Investigation

Three Suspected Robbers Killed in Christmas Eve Gun Battle with Police in Ashanti Region

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Three suspected armed robbers were shot dead during a gun battle with police on Christmas Eve in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects were part of a five-member gang that reportedly opened fire on police officers after encountering them during an intelligence-led operation. Two other members of the gang escaped and are currently on the run.

The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital following the exchange of gunfire but were pronounced dead on arrival. They have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.

A police situational report (SITREP), sighted by Graphic Online, said investigations are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover additional weapons. The report noted that the deceased suspects and their accomplices were wanted in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu, and the Anwiankwanta area.

According to the SITREP, on December 24, 2025, police received intelligence that the gang had assembled in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction and were planning to launch an attack along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road.

Acting on the information, police carried out an operation using four service vehicles to raid the area. Upon arrival, officers spotted about five young men armed with guns. The suspects allegedly opened fire and attempted to flee through the bush, prompting police to return fire. Three suspects were shot, while the remaining two escaped, reportedly with gunshot wounds.

A search of the area led to the recovery of two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, one unbranded pistol, and a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent cartridges.

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