Foreign Affairs Ministry Raises Alarm Over Rising Cyber-Slavery Targeting Nigerian Youths
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa, where young citizens are increasingly being trafficked under the guise of lucrative job opportunities abroad.
In a statement, the Ministry revealed that many Nigerians, including teenagers, are being lured with promises of crypto-related employment, only to be forced into scam operations known as “419 cyber-scam factories.” Victims are subjected to inhumane conditions, coerced into sending thousands of fraudulent messages to unsuspecting victims worldwide.
The Ministry highlighted a recent rescue operation in Ghana, where Nigeria’s Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) saved a group of trafficked Nigerians trapped in such activities.
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa urged citizens especially youths and parents to be vigilant, and thorough verify all foreign job offers and promptly report suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to citizens’ protection, assuring that the Federal Government is intensifying collaboration with regional and international partners to dismantle these criminal networks, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
