by The Federal Government has sounded a critical alarm over the surge of cyber slavery targeting Nigerian youths across West Africa. This warning, delivered through an official statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, highlights the growing sophistication and brutality of these trafficking operations.
FG warns of cyber slavery
Ambassador Tuggar, speaking via a statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed deep concern about the alarming rise in cases of cyber slavery. He revealed that many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative employment, especially in crypto-related jobs.
“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,’” Tuggar stated.
He cited a recent case in Accra, Ghana, where the Economic and Organised Crime Office rescued a group of Nigerians who were held captive and forced to engage in cybercriminal activities under inhumane conditions.
The Minister emphasized the urgent need for enhanced efforts to dismantle these multibillion-dollar criminal networks and reduce the vulnerability of potential victims.
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Understanding Cyber Slavery and Its Impact
Cyber slavery is a modern form of human trafficking where victims are coerced into digital criminal activities. Unlike traditional trafficking, cyber slavery traps victims in scam factories, where they are forced to send thousands of fraudulent emails, texts, and calls to defraud people worldwide.
The impact is devastating:
- Victims suffer psychological trauma, physical abuse, and social isolation.
- Many are minors, deprived of education and a future.
- Families are left in distress, often unable to trace or rescue their loved ones.
- The criminal networks profit immensely, fueling further exploitation and damaging Nigeria’s international reputation.
Read also: Nigeria and South Africa make up half of Africa’s 22 billionaires.
How Young Nigerians Are Lured Into Cyber Slavery
Criminal syndicates exploit the aspirations of Nigerian youths by offering fake job opportunities abroad, particularly in the booming cryptocurrency sector. These offers promise high salaries, remote work, and overseas travel. Once victims arrive, they are trafficked into scam operations, held against their will, and subjected to coercive, inhumane conditions.
A recent rescue in Ghana exposed the grim reality: victims were detained, abused, and forced into cybercrime, highlighting the severe exploitation tied to cyber slavery.
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Government Response and Precautionary Measures
The Federal Government is actively collaborating with regional partners, law enforcement, and international organizations to combat cyber slavery. Efforts focus on:
- Rescuing victims and providing support.
- Dismantling criminal syndicates.
- Prosecuting perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.
Ambassador Tuggar urged Nigerian youths and their families to exercise extreme caution when it comes to job offers, especially those promising easy money, overseas travel, or work in cryptocurrencies. He advised verifying all employment opportunities through official channels and reporting suspicious offers to the authorities for prompt investigation and action.
Also read: Binance to Tighten SA Crypto Rules by April 2025
Raising Awareness and Building Resilience
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad. Public awareness campaigns are being intensified to educate communities, schools, and tech hubs about the dangers of cyber slavery and the importance of safe digital practices.
As Nigeria’s digital economy grows, so does the threat of cyber slavery. The Federal Government’s warning is clear: vigilance, education, and vigorous law enforcement are essential to breaking the chains of cyber slavery and ensuring that the nation’s youth are empowered, not exploited, by the digital revolution.
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