The Federal Government has sounded a warning over the growing menace of cyber slavery sweeping through parts of West Africa, with young Nigerians increasingly falling prey. Through a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities revealed that many vulnerable youths, including underage teenagers, are being trafficked with false promises of lucrative overseas jobs, especially in crypto-related industries.
The Ministry described this trend as deeply worrying, urging swift action to dismantle the multibillion-dollar criminal enterprises behind it. According to the statement, trafficked individuals are forced into operating sophisticated scams in notorious “419 cyber-scam factories,” often disguised as call centres.
“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 stated.
Authorities referenced a recent case where Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) rescued and detained several Nigerians who had been trapped in cybercrime activities under appalling conditions. “This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations,” the Ministry noted.
Warnings Against False Job Offers
The Ministry urged Nigerians, particularly youths and parents, to exercise extreme caution when presented with offers promising easy money, crypto jobs, or overseas travel. “Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators,” the statement read.
Reassuring the public, the Federal Government stressed that it is collaborating with regional partners, international bodies, and law enforcement agencies to crack down on these criminal networks, rescue victims, and prosecute offenders. The Ministry affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Nigerians both at home and abroad, while continuing to raise awareness about emerging threats.
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2 replies on “Nigerian Youths Trapped in Cyber Slavery, FG Raises Alarm”
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