Federal Government Raises Alarm Over Rising Cyber Slavery Targeting Nigerian Youths.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, particularly targeting vulnerable Nigerian youths.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday. According to him, numerous young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country under the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency operations.
However, rather than legitimate work, these individuals find themselves trafficked into sophisticated scam operations, forced to work under coercive and inhumane conditions in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.”
“There, they are compelled to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and make calls aimed at defrauding victims around the world,” Ebienfa revealed.
The Ministry cited a recent incident in Accra, Ghana, where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) rescued and detained a group of Nigerians who had been enslaved and coerced into cybercrime activities. This case, according to the Ministry, highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with these operations and underscores the urgent need for enhanced efforts to dismantle such multibillion-dollar criminal networks.
The Ministry has strongly warned Nigerians, especially the youth and parents, to exercise extreme caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, international travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.
“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment opportunities through official channels and promptly report any suspicious offers to the relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of these criminal syndicates,” the statement urged.
The Federal Government has assured the public that it is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organisations to combat this heinous crime, rescue victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens both at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ebienfa affirmed.