The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths who were trafficked to Southeast Asia to participate in cyber-enabled crimes.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with local partners, marks a major breakthrough in the fight against organized criminal networks exploiting young Nigerians abroad.
In a statement on Wednesday, Vincent Adekoye, Head of Press and Public Relations at NAPTIP, revealed that the victims were lured under false pretenses of scholarships and gainful employment.
They were recruited for their intelligence, computer proficiency, and clean health records before being sent to countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia to engage in romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency scams.
Director General Binta Adamu Bello, OON, described the operation as a response to a “new dimension” in human trafficking that specifically targets highly skilled Nigerian youths.
“Cybercrime trafficking is evolving,” she said.
“Traffickers are no longer only after vulnerable children or women; they now focus on bright and talented Nigerians, particularly those with IT skills who do not smoke or drink alcohol.”
Upon arrival in the destination countries, the victims were enrolled in language schools to learn Chinese and other regional languages. They were then trained in techniques used in various online scams.
Many were forced into customer service roles designed to deceive individuals and organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and Canada.
“The victims explained that they were compelled to target foreigners with romance scams, investment fraud schemes, and cryptocurrency scams,” DG Bello added.
The victims described horrifying conditions in which they were housed in hostels under constant surveillance. Armed enforcers, described as “fierce mafia-like personnel,” ensured that daily targets were met.
Those who refused to comply faced brutal consequences. Some were tortured to death in a facility the traffickers called “the dark room,” while others, particularly young non-smokers, reportedly had their organs harvested.
“This disturbing trend of cybercrime trafficking demonstrates a significant shift in trafficking operations in Southeast Asia,” Bello said.
“These networks exploit the intelligence and skills of our youths for online fraud, making it a global criminal concern.”
NAPTIP expressed its gratitude to international partners who facilitated the victims’ safe repatriation.
These include civil society organizations across South Asia, Eden in Myanmar, the British Government, and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, which assisted with Emergency Travel Certificates and logistics for returning the victims.
The agency also emphasized that the operation reflects its renewed commitment to dismantling organized criminal networks that target Nigerians abroad.
“This is a wake-up call to all Nigerians about the risks posed by cybercrime trafficking syndicates,” Bello stated.
“We will continue to work with partners to ensure these syndicates are dislodged, and their leaders face justice.”
The rescued youths, while relieved to be back home, shared experiences that shed light on the sophisticated tactics employed by traffickers.
They explained how traffickers selected victims based on specific skills, provided gadgets and training, and monitored their online activities around the clock.
Some victims were forced to act as translators and intermediaries in fraud schemes, while others directly carried out online scams targeting unsuspecting individuals across multiple countries.
Experts warn that cybercrime trafficking represents a growing global threat. Unlike traditional forms of trafficking, this trend targets educated and skilled youths, making them both valuable and vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
NAPTIP’s operation highlights the urgent need for awareness programs and stricter international collaboration to prevent Nigerian youths from falling prey to such schemes.
DG Bello concluded by reiterating NAPTIP’s determination to fight cybercrime trafficking. “We are committed to protecting Nigerians from being exploited in foreign lands.
“This operation demonstrates that, with effective partnerships and strong action, even the most dangerous trafficking syndicates can be dismantled,” she said.
This rescue not only saves lives but also exposes the dark underbelly of cybercrime trafficking in Southeast Asia, sending a strong message to both traffickers and potential victims.
Authorities urge families, schools, and communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment offers, especially those promising high-paying jobs or scholarships abroad.
With this operation, NAPTIP reinforces its position as the lead agency fighting human trafficking in Nigeria, combining intelligence, law enforcement, and international cooperation to protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation in emerging cybercrime networks.
Ireport247news
