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By Tracy Moses
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed grave concern over the rising cases of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, where Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable young people, are being targeted.
Recall that in April 2023, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) intensified efforts against online sexual exploitation by establishing a Cybersecurity Response Team.
The agency emphasized the need for caution among youths regarding the sharing of intimate content and personal information online.
Furthermore, in July 2023, during the 20th anniversary of NAPTIP and the World Day Against Human Trafficking, the agency’s immediate past Director-General, Fatima Waziri-Azi, stressed the alarming spread of human trafficking, noting that about 50 million people live in modern slavery daily. She urged stakeholders to reinforce their commitment to protecting victims’ rights and combating human trafficking.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry revealed that many Nigerian youths, including minors, are being deceived with false promises of lucrative jobs abroad, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector.
However, rather than finding genuine employment, these individuals are trafficked into criminal syndicates operating highly organized scam networks, often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.”
“Once there, they are forced to work under inhumane and coercive conditions, sending out thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and phone calls designed to defraud unsuspecting victims across the world,” the statement reads in part.
The Ministry cited a recent case where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerian youths who were forced into cybercrime under brutal conditions.
According to the Ministry, the incident stresses the grave exploitation and abuse involved in these operations and underscores the urgent need for stronger efforts to dismantle these multibillion-dollar criminal enterprises.
The Ministry urged Nigerian youths and their parents to exercise extreme caution when presented with job offers, particularly those involving overseas travel, promises of quick money, or cryptocurrency-related work. It advised that all job opportunities should be thoroughly verified through official channels, and any suspicious offers should be reported immediately to relevant authorities for prompt action.
Furthermore, the Ministry assured the public that the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, security agencies, and international organizations to combat this crime, rescue affected victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian citizens both at home and abroad and pledged to continue raising awareness about threats to the safety and dignity of Nigerians worldwide.