Online scams driving human trafficking – Remi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to be more alert to online scams that are increasingly being used as tools for human trafficking.

Speaking in a message marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, she noted that human trafficking has evolved beyond traditional forms and now includes online deception, forced criminal activities, and organised transnational crime.

Referencing this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” Tinubu explained that many young Nigerians, including graduates, are being lured abroad through fake employment and investment opportunities.

Once recruited, victims often find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions and compelled to participate in criminal operations.

She called on citizens, communities, and institutions to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing the need to protect vulnerable individuals from traffickers’ increasingly sophisticated methods.

“Let us remain vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation,” she said, adding that collective efforts are necessary to build a society where people can live with freedom, dignity, and hope.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to raise awareness about human trafficking and promote the protection of victims’ rights.

Nigeria continues to face significant challenges related to trafficking, serving as a source, transit, and destination country

According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), 156 victims have been rescued since January 2026, while more than 300 Nigerians were repatriated from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025.

NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, recently revealed that over 300,000 people are trafficked annually into scam compounds across Southeast Asia.

Victims are often forced, under threats and intimidation, to operate romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud schemes, and other online investment scams targeting individuals in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

One of the fastest growing trafficking methods involves fake job offers in fields such as information technology, digital marketing, and cryptocurrency trading.

Upon arrival abroad, victims reportedly have their travel documents confiscated and are coerced into carrying out online fraudulent activities.