FG Warns Nigerians of Increasing Cyber-Slavery Cases

Federal Government Raises Alarm Over Rising Cyber-Slavery Threat in Nigeria

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating issue of cyber-slavery, a troubling form of human trafficking that predominantly targets the nation’s youth. In a statement released on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa articulated the grave concerns surrounding the increasing number of young Nigerians being deceived with false job offers and subsequently coerced into cybercrime activities under harrowing conditions.

The Ministry reported that many victims, including minors, are often seduced by promises of lucrative positions, particularly within the cryptocurrency sector. However, upon reaching their destinations, they are forced into what are often referred to as “sophisticated scam operations,” commonly known as “419 cyber-scam factories.”

“These victims are held against their will and subjected to abusive environments, compelled to send out thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and phone calls designed to scam individuals globally,” the statement detailed.

A recent case in Accra, Ghana, exemplified the gravity of the situation, where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office intervened to rescue a group of Nigerian nationals who had been forcibly engaged in cybercriminal endeavors under dire conditions.

“This incident underscores the egregious exploitation associated with these cybercrime operations and highlights the urgent need for intensified efforts to disrupt these multibillion-dollar criminal networks while also reducing the vulnerability of potential victims,” the Ministry stressed.

In light of this growing menace, the Ministry urged Nigerian youth and their families to exercise heightened caution regarding job opportunities, particularly those that promise overseas travel, easy earnings, or remote work in cryptocurrency-related roles.

“Nigerians are advised to rigorously verify all employment offers through official channels and promptly report any suspicious cases to the appropriate authorities for investigation and action to dismantle the activities of these criminals,” the statement advised.

Furthermore, the Ministry reassured the public of the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with regional and global partners to dismantle these syndicates, rescue affected individuals, and deliver justice.

“The Ministry is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Nigerian citizens, both domestically and internationally, and will continue to enhance awareness of emerging threats to their well-being,” Ebienfa concluded.