The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed serious concern over the growing threat of cyber-slavery across West Africa, warning citizens — particularly young Nigerians — to be on high alert.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar highlighted the alarming increase in cases where Nigerians are lured abroad with false promises of lucrative jobs, especially in cryptocurrency-related fields.
Tuggar revealed that many victims, including teenagers, are trafficked and forced to work in criminal operations known as “419 cyber-scam factories,” where they are subjected to coercive and inhumane conditions. “These individuals are made to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding people around the world,” he stated.
He cited a recent case in Ghana where the Economic and Organised Crime Office in Accra rescued and detained a group of Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities. According to Tuggar, the incident underscores the “severe exploitation and abuse” linked to cyber-slavery and highlights the urgent need for stronger efforts to dismantle the multibillion-dollar criminal networks behind it.
The minister advised Nigerian youths and their families to be extremely cautious when approached with offers of overseas employment, remote work, or cryptocurrency-related opportunities that seem too good to be true. He urged citizens to verify job offers through official government channels and to promptly report suspicious activities to the authorities.
Tuggar reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad, pledging continued efforts to raise awareness about emerging threats to their welfare and dignity.
