The federal government has raised alarm over the growing menace of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa.
This warning follows recent revelations from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which reported that the United States lost nearly $65 million over the past two years due to financially motivated sextortion crimes allegedly involving Nigerian nationals.
In a statement released on Sunday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was disclosed that the scam particularly targets Nigerian citizens, notably vulnerable youths.
The statement revealed that numerous young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured abroad under the guise of securing lucrative employment opportunities, often in crypto-related fields.
According to the statement, individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.”
“There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide,” the ministry added.
The Ministry noted with dismay a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians forced to engage in cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.
“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations,” the ministry added.
Describing the situation as deeply troubling, the ministry stressed the urgent need for stronger measures to combat these multibillion-dollar criminal networks and reduce the vulnerability of Nigerian victims.
The ministry assured the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organisations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of Nigerian citizens at home and abroad, the ministry emphasized its continued efforts to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of Nigerians.
The ministry urged all Nigerians, particularly the youths and parents, to exercise the utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.
“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators, ” the statement partly reads.
What you should know
The federal government has warned about a surge in cyber slavery schemes targeting young Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of verifying job offers and remaining vigilant against scams promising easy overseas opportunities.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
