The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over the growing menace of cyber-slavery, a rising form of human trafficking increasingly targeting young people across the region.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed deep concern over the alarming number of Nigerian youths being lured abroad under false pretenses and forced into cybercrime operations under inhumane conditions.
According to the ministry, many of the victims, including underage teenagers are enticed with offers of high-paying jobs, particularly in the crypto industry. The ministry cited a recent case in Accra, Ghana, where a group of Nigerians was rescued by the Economic and Organised Crime Office.
In light of the escalating threat, the government urged Nigerian youths and their families to exercise extreme caution regarding any job offers, especially those involving promises of overseas travel, easy income, or remote work in cryptocurrency-related fields.
The ministry assured the public that the Federal Government is actively collaborating with regional and international partners to dismantle these criminal syndicates, rescue affected victims, and ensure justice is served.