National Security officials in the Northern Region have apprehended 45 foreign nationals in Tamale in a coordinated crackdown targeting cross-border crime and other illicit activities.

The operation, driven by intelligence gathering and surveillance, was conducted in multiple communities across the Tamale metropolis, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Those detained comprise 12 Ivorians, 31 Burkinabé and two Liberians. Initial findings suggest that some of them were deceived into travelling to Ghana on the promise of onward passage to Europe, while others are believed to have been drawn into the QNET network.

Security agencies say the exercise has uncovered indications of a wider syndicate engaged in human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment across national borders.

Confirming the operation, the Northern Regional Security Liaison Officer of National Security, RSM Adam Mohammed, explained that profiling of the suspects showed that many had fallen victim to organised criminal networks operating across countries.

He added that intelligence points to the likelihood that more individuals remain ensnared in the system, with ongoing efforts to trace and rescue them.

RSM Mohammed further stated that, after profiling and documentation, the 45 individuals were handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for appropriate action in accordance with the law.

He appealed for calm among the public and reaffirmed that National Security, working closely with other state agencies, remains committed to safeguarding peace, security and stability in the Northern Region.