The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned Nigerians against falling victim to human traffickers who exploit social relationships, recreational centres and fake job advertisements to recruit unsuspecting individuals.
The agency raised concerns over emerging recruitment tactics in which traffickers target women at gyms and other social gatherings, gradually build relationships with them and gain their trust before luring them into trafficking networks.
NAPTIP spokesman, Adekoye Vincent, gave the warning on Thursday during a joint briefing by security and intelligence agencies in Abuja.
Vincent explained that traffickers often disguise themselves as service providers, offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities to establish familiarity with potential victims.
“Traffickers are increasingly exploiting social relationships and the vulnerabilities of unsuspecting individuals, particularly women, to lure victims into their traps.
“One of the methods they use is to approach people in places such as gyms, recreational centres and other social environments.
“They initially present themselves as service providers, offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities,” he said.
According to him, traffickers obtain the telephone numbers of their targets and gradually establish relationships by presenting themselves as trustworthy, dependable individuals who are always available to offer assistance.
He said some deliberately appear whenever their potential victims encounter difficulties, including vehicle breakdowns, as part of a calculated effort to win their confidence.
“These seemingly harmless gestures are often part of a deliberate strategy to gain the victim’s trust,” he added.
The NAPTIP spokesman also expressed concern over the increasing use of fake job advertisements, particularly on online platforms, to deceive job seekers and lure them into trafficking networks.
He disclosed that the agency had recorded disturbing cases involving Nigerians who travelled long distances in search of employment opportunities but eventually fell into the hands of traffickers.
“We have recorded very disturbing cases involving people who travelled long distances in search of employment opportunities only to fall into the hands 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,” Vincent said.
He added that he personally interacted with the victim, describing the experience as deeply disturbing.
Vincent further warned that human trafficking could have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for victims, with some cases resulting in unwanted pregnancies.
He urged Nigerians to exercise caution when establishing relationships online or accepting unsolicited offers of assistance 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,” he advised.
