FG Warns Nigerians Against Rising Cyber-Slavery Threat in West Africa

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians, especially youths, to be wary of fake job offers that could lead to cyber-slavery across West Africa.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, raised this concern in an official statement, following a recent surge in cases where young Nigerians are trafficked under the guise of securing employment abroad, particularly in cryptocurrency-related fields.

According to Tuggar, traffickers often entice victims with promises of high-paying jobs overseas, only for them to be forced into cybercrime operations commonly known as "419 cyber-scam factories." Victims are subjected to harsh conditions, working long hours sending fraudulent emails, text messages, and making scam calls to unsuspecting individuals around the world.

Recent reports revealed that over 200 Nigerians were rescued from such exploitative conditions in Ghana. Investigations show that many victims were held against their will, denied basic rights, and coerced into cyber-fraud activities.

The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized the severe human rights abuses these young Nigerians suffer and called for greater vigilance among families. He urged citizens to verify any overseas employment offers through official government channels before accepting them.

Tuggar further stated that the government is collaborating with neighboring countries, law enforcement bodies, and international organizations to crack down on these criminal networks, rescue victims, and prosecute the perpetrators.

He stressed "Opportunities that sound too good to be true often are. Nigerians must be cautious and report any suspicious recruitment offers to the authorities immediately."

The government continues to work on strengthening cross-border cooperation to dismantle these cyber-slavery networks and prevent further victimization of vulnerable citizens.