Ghana, Nigeria Police Launch Joint Task Force to Fight Human Trafficking and Cybercrime
Ghana and Nigeria have taken a major step to tackle human trafficking and cybercrime by forming a Joint Task Force (JTF), following high-level talks in Abuja.
The agreement was sealed during a bilateral meeting on Friday, November 7, co-chaired by COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of Ghana’s CID, and DIG Sadiq I. Abubakar, Nigeria’s Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
Senior officials from police, immigration, intelligence, and diplomatic services attended the session, which focused on:
The rising link between human trafficking and online scams
Growing numbers of victims across West Africa
The urgent need for real-time intel sharing
DIG Abubakar praised COP Donkor for pushing the idea at the INTERPOL Africa Regional Conference earlier this year in South Africa.
“This is not just talk — we are building a system to act fast and protect people,” COP Donkor said.
Key Outcomes of the Deal:
Action:
Purpose:
Joint Task Force (JTF)
Handle cross-border trafficking cases
Focal Officers Appointed
For instant information exchange
Standard Repatriation Protocols
Safe return of rescued victims
Awareness Campaigns
Target youth and border communities
Regional Police Chiefs Meeting
Align strategies across West Africa
A communiqué was signed, committing both nations to:
Dismantle trafficking networks
Protect and support victims
Keep dialogue open under ECOWAS and INTERPOL
The move comes as cyber-enabled trafficking — including romance scams, fake job offers, and sextortion — surges in the sub-region.
Human rights groups welcomed the partnership but urged swift implementation.
“Words are good, but action saves lives,” said one advocate.
With Ghana and Nigeria as two of West Africa’s biggest police forces, this JTF could set a model for regional security cooperation.
More updates expected as the task force begins operations.
