Linus Aleke in Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised the alarm over the sexual exploitation of married girls on-line. The company additionally expressed concern over the growing prevalence of on-line recruitment scams, urging job seekers to train warning when responding to on-line job commercials.
The Head of Press and Public Relations at NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, raised the alarm throughout a joint safety press briefing for September and October 2026, held on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
Adekoye mentioned: “Traffickers are more and more exploiting social relationships and the vulnerabilities of unsuspecting people, notably girls, to lure victims into their traps. One of the strategies they use is to strategy individuals in locations comparable to gyms, leisure centres and different social environments.
“They initially current themselves as service suppliers, providing help with home wants, procuring, sourcing items and different on a regular basis actions. Through these interactions, they set up familiarity and trade phone numbers with their potential victims.
“Once they obtain their contact details, they gradually become familiar with them, sometimes calling at odd hours and presenting themselves as dependable individuals who are always available to help. They may offer assistance when someone experiences difficulties, such as a vehicle breakdown, or suddenly appear with offers of help.”
The company defined that these seemingly innocent gestures are sometimes a part of a deliberate technique to achieve victims’ belief.
Another disturbing growth, Adekoye mentioned, was using pretend job commercials to lure unsuspecting Nigerians into trafficking networks.
He confused that some people, together with job seekers, have been being deceived via fraudulent employment alternatives marketed on-line.
According to NAPTIP, “We have recorded very disturbing instances involving individuals who travelled lengthy distances in quest of employment alternatives, solely to fall into the palms of traffickers.
“One particularly troubling case involved a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to a law chamber in Abuja but unfortunately fell into the wrong hands. I personally interacted with the victim, and the experience was deeply disturbing. Some of these cases also have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for victims, with some resulting in unwanted pregnancies.”
The company urged Nigerians to train excessive warning when forming relationships on-line or accepting unsolicited gives of help and employment.
“People should avoid rushing into online friendships and should always verify the identities and intentions of individuals they meet, particularly those making attractive offers of jobs, financial assistance or other opportunities. We therefore raise urgent public awareness regarding a sharp rise in sextortion, rape and revenge porn across the country,” he mentioned.
The spokesperson concluded that, via these mixed kinetic and preventive measures, NAPTIP reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to making a trafficking- and violence-free Nigeria.
