Thirty-three Ghanaian nationals, including 12 women, have reportedly been found at a camp in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria, following concerns that they were lured into a scheme involving promises of travel to the United Kingdom.
The group was reportedly located in the Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State after concerns were raised by relatives of some of the individuals who had travelled to Nigeria.
According to reports, some of the affected Ghanaians had parted with substantial amounts of money after being led to believe that their stay in Nigeria was connected to arrangements for travelling to Europe.
Some members of the group reportedly claimed they had paid as much as GH¢300,000 in pursuit of the opportunity to travel to the UK.
The situation reportedly came to light after relatives became worried about the circumstances surrounding their family members’ stay in Nigeria. Concerns were also reportedly raised after some of those who travelled began requesting additional funds.
A special team from Ghana is said to have intervened, leading to the group being located at one of several camps reportedly operating in the Anyigba area.
The circumstances surrounding the camp and the activities taking place there are still being investigated.
However, the Ghanaians reportedly rejected suggestions that they were being prepared for illegal migration. Some of those found at the location said they had travelled to Nigeria to take part in network marketing rather than to embark on an unlawful journey to Britain.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions about how the individuals were recruited, what they were promised before leaving Ghana and why some reportedly paid such large sums of money.
Reports indicate that some victims may have made significant financial sacrifices to participate in the arrangement, with claims that individuals sold businesses or used substantial personal funds after being assured of opportunities connected to travel abroad.
The development has renewed concerns about fraudulent recruitment networks that target people seeking opportunities outside Ghana.
In March 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned citizens about deceptive travel and employment schemes involving false promises of jobs, business opportunities and assistance with European visas. The government said such schemes had left some Ghanaians stranded or exposed to difficult conditions abroad.
Authorities have urged members of the public to verify travel, employment and business offers through official channels before making financial commitments or travelling.
The Anyigba incident also highlights the financial risks faced by people who rely on unofficial agents or intermediaries promising access to foreign travel opportunities.
While some of the individuals reportedly maintained that their purpose in Nigeria was legitimate network marketing, investigations are expected to establish the nature of the operation and determine whether any laws were violated.
Reports about the incident have therefore prompted renewed calls for prospective travellers to exercise caution when approached with offers involving unusually large payments and promises of easy access to Europe or the United Kingdom.
The 33 Ghanaians were reportedly found at one of six camps identified in the Anyigba area, although further details about the ownership and operation of the camps remain subject to investigation.
The case serves as another warning about the dangers associated with unverified overseas travel opportunities, particularly schemes that require applicants to pay substantial sums before receiving clear documentation or confirmation from recognised authorities.
