The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has announced significant breakthroughs in the fight against cybercrime, human trafficking and illegal arms trafficking, following a series of intelligence-led operations that led to multiple arrests, the rescue of trafficking victims and the seizure of firearms, ammunition and electronic devices used in criminal activities.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, said the successful operations underscore the government’s commitment, through the Ghana Police Service, to safeguarding lives, dismantling criminal networks and strengthening national security.
According to COP Donkor, four major operations carried out between July 3 and July 15 in Greater Accra and the Ashanti Region targeted organized criminal groups involved in internet fraud, human trafficking and illicit arms trading.
The first operation, conducted at Mataheko Tema, on July 3, resulted in the arrest of ten suspects linked to internet-related fraud. Police recovered 28 laptops and nine mobile phones during the exercise. Investigators also rescued nine Nigerian nationals who had allegedly been trafficked and exploited by the syndicate. A suspected coordinator, identified as Collins Francis Olali Ojo, has since been remanded by the Accra High Court while investigations continue.
In a separate operation at Pafa Community on July 7, police arrested eleven individuals and seized 14 laptops and 12 smartphones. Initial investigations revealed that six of those detained were victims of human trafficking. The victims received medical screening, protection services and were subsequently repatriated to Nigeria. Further investigations uncovered that two individuals initially believed to be victims Osman Terry, 34, and Wilson Maku, 21 were in fact key coordinators of the trafficking operation. Another suspect known only as “Jerry” is currently being sought by the police.
The CID also carried out a major raid at Kwabena on July 12, where five suspects were arrested following a search of a residential property. Officers discovered 22 young Nigerian nationals on the premises. Preliminary investigations identified 18 of them, aged between 15 and 24 years, as victims of trafficking who had allegedly been compelled to engage in cybercrime activities. The suspects have been remanded to assist with ongoing investigations.
In the Ashanti Region, police intelligence operations led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the illegal trade of firearms and ammunition. A subsequent search uncovered multiple pistols, magazines and substantial quantities of live ammunition. The suspects reportedly admitted their involvement and are assisting investigators as efforts continue to identify accomplices and dismantle the wider arms trafficking network.
COP Donkor praised CID officers and regional police personnel for their professionalism, dedication and effectiveness in executing the operations. She noted that the successes were made possible through strong intelligence gathering, public cooperation and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
She emphasized that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to ensuring that all suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law while continuing efforts to protect victims and dismantle criminal enterprises operating within and beyond Ghana’s borders.
The CID Director-General disclosed that all electronic devices recovered from the various crime scenes have been secured for detailed digital forensic examination. She added that rescued victims have received medical care, protection and support services, while investigations continue to identify additional suspects and trace trafficking and arms supply networks.
COP Donkor also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police, stressing the importance of citizen participation in crime prevention.
“See something, say something,” she urged, thanking community members and the media for their role in providing information that contributed to the successful operations.
The CID says the latest achievements reflect the government’s intensified efforts to combat organized crime and enhance public safety. Authorities have indicated that further arrests are expected as investigations progress, with continued collaboration planned between local and international partners to dismantle transnational criminal networks operating across the region.
The operations represent one of the most significant recent successes in Ghana’s fight against cyber-enabled crime, human trafficking and illegal arms trafficking, reinforcing confidence in the country’s security architecture and law enforcement institutions.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
