The Federal Government has sounded the alarm over the growing menace of cyber-slavery across parts of West Africa, warning that young Nigerians are being lured abroad under false pretenses and forced into online crime operations under harsh conditions.
In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities expressed deep concern about the exploitation of Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable youths and teenagers, by sophisticated criminal networks.
According to the Ministry, traffickers deceive victims with promises of lucrative employment abroad, often in crypto-related fields, only to trap them in what are now described as “419 cyber-scam factories.” Inside these operations, the victims are coerced into sending thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and phone calls aimed at scamming people around the world.
“There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide,” the Ministry said.
Recent Rescue in Ghana
The alarming trend was highlighted by a recent incident in Accra, Ghana, where the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) rescued a group of Nigerians being held and forced to engage in cybercrime activities.
The Ministry described the conditions as abusive and noted that the situation underscores the urgent need for stronger actions to dismantle these multibillion-dollar criminal networks.
Call for Caution
In light of the increasing threat, the Ministry urged Nigerian youths and parents to exercise extreme caution when presented with job offers, especially those promising quick money, overseas travel, or remote cryptocurrency jobs.
“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators,” the statement warned.
The Ministry assured the public that the Federal Government, in collaboration with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations, is actively working to combat this modern form of slavery. Efforts are underway to rescue victims, dismantle the networks, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
Protecting Nigerian Citizens
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” the statement read.
Growing Financial Impact
This warning comes just days after the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that the United States lost nearly $65 million over the past two years to financially motivated sextortion crimes allegedly linked to Nigerian nationals. Offenders typically threatened to release compromising photos unless they received immediate payment via mobile transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
The rise of cyber-slavery adds another layer of urgency to the growing concerns over the vulnerability of Nigerian youths in the face of increasingly sophisticated global scams.
