The federal government has raised serious concerns over the increasing cases of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, warning Nigerian youths to be cautious of fraudulent employment offers.
This warning follows recent revelations by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which disclosed that the U.S. lost nearly $65 million in the past two years to financially motivated sextortion crimes, allegedly linked to Nigerian nationals.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa revealed that many vulnerable Nigerian youths, including underage teenagers, are being lured abroad with false promises of lucrative jobs, particularly in the crypto sector.
Upon arrival, the victims are trafficked into what the ministry described as “sophisticated scam operations,” where they are forced to work under coercive and inhumane conditions in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are compelled to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding unsuspecting individuals around the world.
The ministry highlighted a recent case in which Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) rescued and detained a group of Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities under deplorable conditions.
“This incident underscores the grave exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations,” the ministry said, stressing the urgent need for coordinated efforts to dismantle these multibillion-dollar criminal networks and protect Nigerian citizens from becoming victims.
The federal government assured the public that it is collaborating with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organisations to combat cyber slavery, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The ministry also emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Nigerians both at home and abroad. It pledged to continue raising awareness about emerging threats and urged Nigerians, especially youths and parents, to remain vigilant.
“Job offers promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote cryptocurrency work should be carefully verified through official channels,” the ministry warned. Suspicious offers should be reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation and action.
