The Nigerian government has raised an urgent alarm about the escalating danger of cyber slavery in West Africa. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed grave concern over the alarming rise of cyber slavery operations in the region, which primarily affect Nigerian citizens, especially young people.
The Ministry highlighted that many Nigerians, including minors, are being deceived into leaving the country under the false promise of high-paying jobs abroad, particularly in the cryptocurrency industry. However, once they arrive, they are trafficked into illegal operations where they are forced to work in criminal “call centers” – often described as “419 cyber-scam factories.” In these centers, they are subjected to inhumane conditions, being coerced to send fraudulent emails, text messages, and make scam calls to defraud victims across the globe.
A recent case in Ghana, where a group of Nigerians was rescued by the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, further underlined the severe exploitation of individuals caught in these operations. This incident emphasized the abuse and dangerous nature of cybercrime networks and the urgent need for enhanced efforts to dismantle them.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advised citizens, particularly the youth and parents, to exercise extreme caution when offered job opportunities, especially those that promise quick wealth, overseas travel, or remote work in cryptocurrency. Nigerians are urged to verify all employment offers through official channels and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
To tackle this growing issue, the Nigerian government assured the public that it is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to combat these criminal networks, rescue victims, and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens both at home and abroad while continuing to raise awareness about emerging threats to public safety and dignity.
