NAPTIP Rescues, Repatriates 23 Nigerian Youths Trafficked to Asia for Cyber Fraud
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths who were trafficked to Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries to engage in cyber-related crimes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NAPTIP’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed that the victims were recruited under false pretences and transported to countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, where they were coerced into carrying out romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and investment schemes.
According to the agency, the traffickers deliberately targeted intelligent young Nigerians with strong backgrounds in Information Technology and computer skills, often selecting individuals described as disciplined and with no prior criminal records.
NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, described the development as a troubling evolution in human trafficking patterns.
“This operation has exposed a disturbing and emerging dimension of human trafficking that preys on vibrant, highly skilled Nigerian youths,” Bello said.
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She explained that the victims were lured with promises of lucrative job offers and scholarship opportunities abroad. However, upon arrival in Southeast Asia, they were allegedly forced into fraudulent online operations.
The rescued youths revealed that they underwent intensive training in various scamming techniques and, in some cases, were taught new languages to serve as translators and customer service agents to target victims in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and Canada.
They were reportedly housed in guarded facilities and closely monitored by criminal syndicates. Those who failed to meet set targets were subjected to severe punishment and intimidation.
Bello described the syndicate’s activities as deeply alarming but assured that NAPTIP has strengthened collaboration with regional and international partners to dismantle the network and bring its masterminds to justice.
The agency expressed appreciation to civil society organisations in Southeast Asia, the British Government, and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok for their critical support, particularly in facilitating the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificates that enabled the victims’ safe return to Nigeria.
The Director-General reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to combating transnational trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation under the guise of overseas employment opportunities.
By PRNigeria
