First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has warned that online scams are increasingly being used to recruit young Nigerians into human trafficking networks, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious offers promising jobs or investment opportunities abroad. In a message marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on July 30, the First Lady […]
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has warned that online scams are increasingly being used to recruit young Nigerians into human trafficking networks, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious offers promising jobs or investment opportunities abroad.
In a message marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on July 30, the First Lady said human traffickers are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to deceive educated young Nigerians with fake overseas employment and investment opportunities before forcing them into exploitation and criminal activities.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” highlights the growing danger of online scams linked to human trafficking and organised crime, warning that many unsuspecting victims are lured with promises of better lives only to find themselves trapped in abusive situations.
Mrs. Tinubu described human trafficking as a modern form of slavery that has evolved beyond traditional methods to include online scams, forced criminality and transnational organised crime. She urged families, communities, institutions and relevant authorities to remain vigilant, protect vulnerable persons and promptly report suspicious activities capable of exposing victims to traffickers.
According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), about 156 trafficking victims have been rescued since January 2026, while more than 300 Nigerians were repatriated from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 after falling victim to trafficking networks.
The agency also warned that thousands of Nigerians are trafficked annually into scam compounds across Southeast Asia, where they are forced under threats of violence to engage in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and other forms of online crime.
Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed that ending human trafficking requires collective action from government, security agencies, communities and citizens, stressing that protecting vulnerable Nigerians is essential to guaranteeing freedom, dignity and hope for future generations.