The federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has raised alarm over the rise of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, targeting Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable youths.
In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the ministry on Sunday, it was revealed that many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are lured out of the country under the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.
The ministry described the development as a grave concern, underscoring the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of Nigerian victims.
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.
“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations,” the ministry added.
“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.