Nigerians are being warned by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, or NAPTIP, about new tactics used by some suspected human traffickers. These individuals pose as well-known global brand trademarks and offer fictitious jobs related to oil and gas in order to lure unsuspecting individuals into neighboring West African countries where they will be subjected to various forms of exploitation.
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director-General of NAPTIP, revealed this in an Abuja news release.
“We have received reports indicating that traffickers have adopted new tactics to lure unsuspecting victims, primarily to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, and other West African nations,” the statement reads. “This is part of our comprehensive enlightenment strategies to equip Nigerians with timely and accurate information to reduce their vulnerability.”
“Under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities in gold mining and oil companies, victims are enticed with promises of monthly incomes as high as Nine Hundred Dollars ($900.00), which, as always, are blatant lies.
“Victims are often instructed to bring up to Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N850,000) for documentation and other logistical expenses.
“Upon arrival at their destination, traffickers confiscate this money, along with the victims’ phones and other personal belongings.
“The targeted demographic includes male and female victims aged between 15 and 35 years old. They are typically trafficked through the waterways of Ode Jetty in Lagos en-route to Benin Republic and other parts of the West African region. Some victims are also trafficked via land routes”.
Before accepting any alluring promises, Waziri-Azi advised Nigerians to proceed with care, ask questions, and get a second view.
