The Federal Government has expressed concern on Sunday about the growing threat of cyber-slavery, a type of human trafficking that is increasingly affecting young people in the country and in West Africa.
This was revealed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar in a statement released by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry’s spokesperson.
Tuggar voiced concern about the worrisome rise in cases of cyber-slavery across portions of West Africa, which he said “primarily targets Nigerian citizens, especially vulnerable youths.”
He stressed that false promises of lucrative job possibilities abroad, especially in crypto-related businesses, are luring many young Nigerians, including minors, to leave the nation eventually becoming victims of cyber-slavery.
He cited a recent instance of cyber-slavery in which a group of Nigerians who had been coerced into engaging in cybercrime under cruel circumstances were saved and taken into custody by the Economic and Organised Crime Office in Accra, Ghana.
“In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and forced to work in criminal call centres, often referred to as ‘419 cyber-scam factories,’”
“There, under coercive and inhumane conditions, they are compelled to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide,” Tuggar said.
Tuggar cautioned Nigerians, particularly young people and parents, to be extremely cautious when they receive employment offers, especially if they promise quick money, travel abroad, or remote work with cryptocurrency.
The minister counselled Nigerians to confirm all job offers via legitimate channels and to notify the appropriate authorities of any suspicious activity so that they can be promptly investigated and dealt with.
He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to safeguarding Nigerians domestically and overseas and educating the public about new dangers to their well-being and dignity.
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