In a significant move to tackle the escalating threat of human trafficking, the police forces of Ghana and Nigeria have agreed to establish a Joint Task Force (JTF).

The decision was finalised during a high-level bilateral meeting in Abuja on Friday, November 7, 2025, signalling a new chapter in cross-border security cooperation.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Director-General of the Ghana Police CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, and Nigeria's Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sadiq I. Abubakar.

Senior officials from immigration, intelligence, and the diplomatic corps of both nations were also in attendance.

Discussions centred on the evolving nature of human trafficking, particularly its convergence with cybercrime, and the urgent need for a unified regional response to protect victims across West Africa.

DIG Abubakar commended COP Donkor for her proactive role in proposing the collaboration during an INTERPOL conference earlier this year.

In response, COP Donkor reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to deepening cooperation, emphasising intensified intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions.

Key outcomes of the meeting include:

The creation of a Joint Task Force dedicated to handling cross-border trafficking cases.

The appointment of focal officers to enable real-time information exchange between the two forces.

The development of standard protocols for the repatriation and support of victims.

Plans for joint awareness campaigns aimed at vulnerable youth and border communities.

Looking beyond bilateral efforts, both nations resolved to champion a broader initiative by convening a meeting of West African Police Chiefs.

The goal is to harmonise regional strategies against trafficking networks.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a communiqué, solidifying the shared commitment of Ghana and Nigeria to dismantle trafficking syndicates and protect vulnerable citizens, under the frameworks of ECOWAS and INTERPOL.