Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has warned Nigerians to be more careful about online scams, saying criminal networks are increasingly using fake job offers, investment opportunities and digital platforms to lure victims into human trafficking.
She gave the warning in a message to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed globally every July 30.
According to the First Lady, human trafficking has changed significantly over the years and is no longer limited to the traditional forms of forced labour and sexual exploitation. She said traffickers now rely heavily on online deception, organised international crime and forced criminal activities to recruit unsuspecting victims.
Referring to this year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” Mrs Tinubu explained that many young Nigerians, including university graduates, are being deceived with fake employment opportunities, scholarships and investment schemes that promise better lives abroad.
She said that after travelling, many victims discover they have been trapped by criminal organisations, with their movement restricted and their travel documents seized.
Instead of getting the jobs they were promised, victims are allegedly forced to participate in internet fraud, romance scams, cryptocurrency scams and other illegal online activities under threats, violence and intimidation.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to be alert and verify every overseas job or business opportunity before accepting it.
She also called on families, religious organisations, schools, traditional rulers and community leaders to educate young people about the dangers of trafficking and to report suspicious activities to the authorities.
“Let us remain vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu added that defeating human trafficking requires collective action from government agencies, civil society organisations, security agencies and ordinary citizens.
According to her, Nigerians must work together to build a society where everyone can live with dignity, freedom and hope without falling into the hands of traffickers.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to raise awareness of the global problem of human trafficking and encourage countries to strengthen efforts to prevent the crime, protect victims and prosecute offenders.
Each year, the campaign highlights emerging trends in trafficking and encourages governments to improve cooperation across borders.
The 2026 theme focuses on the growing use of online platforms by criminal groups to recruit and exploit victims.
Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by human trafficking in Africa. It serves as a source, transit and destination country for trafficking networks operating within Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Many victims are recruited with promises of jobs, education or business opportunities only to find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the government agency responsible for combating human trafficking, has continued to warn Nigerians about the increasing sophistication of trafficking syndicates.
According to NAPTIP, at least 156 victims have been rescued since January 2026.
The agency also disclosed that more than 300 Nigerians were repatriated from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 after they became victims of various forms of exploitation.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, recently revealed another disturbing trend involving trafficking to Southeast Asia.
She said over 300,000 people are trafficked annually into scam compounds across countries in the region.
According to her, victims are recruited through fake online advertisements promising employment in information technology, digital marketing, customer service and cryptocurrency trading.
Upon arrival, many reportedly have their passports and other travel documents confiscated.
They are then forced to work long hours carrying out romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and fake online investment schemes targeting victims in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Those who refuse to cooperate are reportedly subjected to threats, physical abuse, starvation and other forms of punishment.
Many fraudulent advertisements appear genuine, making it difficult for job seekers to distinguish between legitimate offers and criminal schemes.
Security experts have therefore advised Nigerians to verify foreign job offers through government agencies, recognised recruitment firms and Nigerian embassies before travelling abroad.
They also urge people to avoid paying money to unknown agents or accepting overseas opportunities without proper documentation.
Human trafficking remains one of the world’s fastest-growing organised crimes, generating billions of dollars annually for criminal networks.
The Federal Government has continued to strengthen cooperation with international partners and neighbouring countries to dismantle trafficking syndicates and rescue victims.
Mrs Tinubu’s message serves as another reminder that while technology has created new opportunities for education, business and employment, it has also opened new channels for organised criminals.
She stressed that greater public awareness, stronger law enforcement and community vigilance remain essential if Nigeria is to reduce the growing threat of online-enabled human trafficking and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.