The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has revealed a scheme orchestrated by suspected human traffickers to deceive Nigerians with false job opportunities in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and neighboring West African nations.
Exploiting recognizable global brand trademarks, these traffickers entice individuals with unrealistic promises of employment in the oil and gas sector, particularly in gold mining and oil companies, with purported monthly earnings of $900.
Victims are trafficked through Ode Jetty in Lagos by waterways, en route to Benin Republic and other West African destinations, while some are transported via land routes.
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NAPTIP Director-General, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, disclosed these findings during a discussion on human trafficking trends for 2024 at the agency's headquarters in Abuja.
She elaborated on the traffickers' tactics, emphasizing their exploitation of global brand trademarks and fraudulent job offers to trap unsuspecting individuals for various forms of exploitation in neighboring West African countries.
“In recent times, NAPTIP has redoubled its efforts through enhanced partnership, collaboration, diligent prosecution, and extensive awareness campaigns aimed at bolstering its operations, resulting in a significant increase in convictions of human traffickers.
"As part of our comprehensive enlightenment strategies to equip Nigerians with timely and accurate information to reduce their vulnerability, we have received reports indicating that traffickers have adopted new tactics to lure unsuspecting victims, predominantly to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, and other West African nations.”
Waziri–Azi added: “Under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities in gold mining and oil companies, victims are enticed with promises of monthly incomes as high as $900.00, which, as always, are blatant lies.”
“Victims are often instructed to bring up to N850,000 for documentation and other logistical expenses. Upon arrival at their destination, traffickers confiscate this money, along with the victims’ phones and other personal belongings.”
On the category of people targetted, she said: “The targeted demographic includes male and female victims aged between 15 and 35 years old.
“They are typically trafficked through the waterways of Ode Jetty in Lagos en route to Benin Republic and other parts of the West African region. Some victims are also trafficked via land routes.”
Prof. Waziri-Azi while calling on Nigerians to be careful, stated: “I urge you to exercise caution, ask questions, and seek a second opinion before accepting any tempting offers. Do not allow desperation to cloud your judgment.”
She expressed NAPTIP’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
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