Nigerians Reportedly Trapped in Myanmar: Rights Group Urges Immediate Rescue and Repatriation

A human rights organisation has raised serious concerns about an escalating crisis involving Nigerians allegedly trapped in human trafficking and cyber-scam compounds across Myanmar. The group says victims were lured with promises of legitimate employment, only to be forced into illegal and dangerous operations once they arrived.

In a statement issued recently, the organisation highlighted that many Nigerians were recruited through deceptive job offers in sectors such as IT, customer service, and other professional fields. Upon arrival in Myanmar, they reportedly had their passports confiscated and were confined to cyber-scam camps, with restricted movement and limited access to legal support.

The group said the victims are held in volatile regions, including border towns, where the security situation is unstable and rule of law is weak. It described the conditions as harsh and inhumane, with victims reportedly subjected to coercion, forced labour, and physical intimidation by armed guards.

According to the organisation, attempts to resist or escape are met with severe punishment. Those who fail to meet targets or who try to flee are allegedly detained or handed over to local authorities, where they face imprisonment under poor conditions. Many victims reportedly remain in constant fear, unable to leave, work legally, or return home.

One Nigerian victim, whose identity was withheld for safety reasons, described the situation as dire. He said many of the victims have expired visas and no means to survive, relying solely on support from churches and local aid groups. Some are believed to be detained for immigration violations they did not commit.

The rights group warned that the situation amounts to human trafficking and forced labour, calling it a violation of international human rights laws. The organisation is urging the Nigerian government to urgently intervene, activating diplomatic channels to identify, secure, and evacuate affected citizens.

It also called on the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to coordinate rescue and repatriation efforts, working with Nigerian missions and international partners in the region. The group further appealed to global bodies such as the UN, IOM, and other humanitarian organisations to provide emergency relief and evacuation support.

Beyond immediate rescue operations, the organisation insisted that perpetrators, recruiters, traffickers, and their networks, must be investigated and prosecuted. It also recommended stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, stronger public awareness campaigns, and enhanced international cooperation to prevent future cases.

The rights group concluded with a stark warning: every day of delay increases the risk to Nigerian lives, describing the victims as ordinary citizens whose only offence was seeking better opportunities abroad.