The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a warning concerning the increasing incidence of online sexual exploitation and recruitment scams. This alert was raised during a joint security press briefing held at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
Vincent Adekoye, the Head of Press and Public Relations at NAPTIP, highlighted the tactics employed by traffickers who exploit social relationships to lure unsuspecting individuals, particularly women, into dangerous situations. He noted that these traffickers often present themselves as service providers in social settings such as gyms and recreational centers.
According to Adekoye, traffickers establish a rapport with potential victims by offering assistance with everyday tasks, which leads to an exchange of contact information. He explained that once they have the victims’ details, they create a sense of familiarity, often contacting individuals at odd hours to pose as trustworthy figures ready to help.
NAPTIP has reported a rise in cases where individuals seeking employment have fallen victim to fraudulent job offers advertised online. Adekoye recounted a particularly troubling case involving a lawyer from Benue State who traveled to Abuja for a job opportunity that turned out to be a scam. He emphasized the emotional and psychological toll these experiences can have on victims, which can sometimes result in severe consequences.
The agency urged Nigerians to exercise caution when forming new online relationships or accepting unsolicited job offers, stressing the importance of verifying the identities of individuals making promises of employment or assistance. NAPTIP also raised the alarm about the sharp increase in sextortion and other forms of online abuse across the country.
Through various preventive and kinetic measures, NAPTIP is committed to fostering a Nigeria free from trafficking and violence.
