Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has warned Nigerians to be careful as online scams are now being used to lure people into human trafficking. She said criminals are using fake opportunities to trap victims before forcing them into different forms of exploitation.
The warning was contained in her message to mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
She said human trafficking is no longer limited to the traditional methods many people know, as traffickers now rely on online deception, forced criminal activities and organised cross-border operations.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” the First Lady said many young Nigerians, including graduates, are being attracted with false promises of jobs, investment opportunities and travel abroad.
She explained that after arriving at their destinations, many victims discover they have been deceived, have their passports taken away and are forced to take part in online fraud and other exploitative activities.
Tinubu called on Nigerians, communities, organisations and relevant institutions to stay alert, protect people who may be at risk and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
She said working together is necessary to stop traffickers from taking advantage of vulnerable people and to ensure everyone can live in freedom, dignity and hope.
Nigeria continues to be identified as a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), 156 trafficking victims have been rescued since January 2026.
The agency also said more than 300 Nigerians were brought back home from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025.
NAPTIP added that traffickers are increasingly advertising fake vacancies in information technology, digital marketing and cryptocurrency to attract victims. Many of those deceived are later forced into romance scams and other online fraud schemes in foreign countries.
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