The federal government has raised alarm over the rise of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa.
The development comes days after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) disclosed that the United States lost nearly $65 million over the past two years due to financially motivated sextortion crimes allegedly perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Sunday said the scam targets Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable youths.
It 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.
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.
The Ministry noted with dismay a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians forced to engage in cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.
“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations,” the ministry added.
It 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.
The ministry assured the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organisations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
Expressing commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad, the ministry said it will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people.
It warned all Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise the utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.
“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.
