National Shame: ISRCA Tackles Government Over 120 Nigerians Repatriated From Ghana

The Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancements (ISRCA) has criticised the Nigerian government over the repatriation of 120 Nigerians from Ghana following an operation targeting cybercrime, describing the incident as a national shame and a wake-up call.

The organisation called on the Federal Government to address poverty and unemployment while prioritising the rehabilitation and empowerment of the affected Nigerians.

In a statement dated October 14, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comr. Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, and National Publicity Secretary, Comr. Neri Okuguni, ISRCA commended the Ghana Air Force and Ministry of Defence for their roles in the arrest and repatriation of the Nigerian nationals.

According to the organisation, the operation, known as Cyber-hunt, was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with security agencies from the United Kingdom, Nigeria and the United States.

It said the operation rescued 120 individuals who were reportedly trafficked to Ghana and forced to participate in cybercrime activities.

While commending the operation as a demonstration of regional commitment to tackling cybercrime and human trafficking, ISRCA said the incident exposed the depth of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria.

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The organisation blamed the situation on what it described as the government’s failure to provide adequate employment and empowerment opportunities for young people despite the country’s abundant resources.

“These 120 youths need HELP, not just Handcuffs,” ISRCA said, calling for proper rehabilitation, psychosocial counselling, skills training and economic support before their reintegration into society.

“You cannot return traumatized youths to the same poverty that pushed them out,” the organisation added.

ISRCA urged federal and state governments to introduce life-transforming programmes for young Nigerians, including mass employment initiatives, vocational and technology skills training, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.

It stressed that although the government must remain committed to tackling cybercrime and human trafficking, enforcement measures without adequate economic opportunities would not address the underlying challenges confronting vulnerable youths.

“Enforcement without opportunity will keep producing more victims,” the organisation said, adding that “you cannot arrest poverty out of a people.”

ISRCA called on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of the repatriated Nigerians and create sustainable opportunities to prevent other young people from falling victim to trafficking and cybercrime networks.

“Let’s save our youths. Let’s fix Nigeria,” the statement concluded.