The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths from Thailand, raising the alarm over a disturbing new wave of human trafficking to Southeast Asia for cyber-enabled crimes.
Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, disclosed that the victims were deceived and trafficked to countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, where they were forced into online fraud schemes such as romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and fake investment operations.
The rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with Eden (Myanmar), with critical support from the British Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, which facilitated emergency travel documentation for the victims.
Bello described the development as a “new and dangerous dimension” of human trafficking targeting young Nigerians with computer and IT skills.
“This is a new dimension of the human trafficking phenomenon that targets vibrant and intelligent Nigerians,” she said. “The traffickers go after boys and girls with skills, especially in IT, and even screen for those who do not smoke or drink. They promise scholarships and lucrative jobs.”
According to her, upon arrival in the destination countries, the victims were allegedly trained in different scamming techniques. Some were enrolled in language schools, particularly to learn Chinese, and later deployed as translators or “customer care” agents to lure unsuspecting victims abroad.
“They were compelled to target individuals and organisations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia and Canada for romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and other online crimes,” Bello revealed.
She said the victims were housed in tightly controlled facilities and constantly monitored. Those who failed to meet daily targets were allegedly subjected to severe punishment.
“The victims said they were accommodated in hostels with bunk beds and forced to work under strict surveillance. Some who refused to cooperate were tortured,” she added.
Describing the trend as deeply troubling, Bello said NAPTIP has reactivated its international networks to dismantle the trafficking syndicate and bring its masterminds to justice.
“We will not relent. With the support of our partners, this deadly trafficking ring will be dislodged and the ringleaders arrested,” she vowed.
The DG commended civil society organisations in the region, Eden (Myanmar), the British Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Thailand for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom.
The latest rescue comes weeks after Bello pledged intensified action against human trafficking networks preying on vulnerable Nigerians, signaling what she described as a renewed offensive against organised criminal elements.
Horror in Southeast Asia: NAPTIP Rescues 23 Nigerian Youths Trapped in Cybercrime Trafficking Ring
