The Federal Government has sounded a serious warning about a growing wave of cyber slavery sweeping across parts of West Africa, targeting young Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that thousands of Nigerians, including teenagers, are being deceived with fake promises of lucrative jobs abroad—particularly in cryptocurrency-related fields—only to find themselves trapped in abusive and exploitative conditions.

Signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry, the statement called the situation “deeply alarming” and urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution.

How Criminal Syndicates Are Trapping Victims

According to the Ministry, these syndicates operate by offering fake overseas job opportunities, preying on the hopes of young people searching for better lives.
Victims are trafficked into neighboring countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—or even further abroad—and forced to work in cybercrime centers, often described as “419 scam factories.”

Once there, they are stripped of their passports, subjected to threats and abuse, and coerced into sending thousands of scam emails, fraudulent text messages, and deceitful calls daily to unsuspecting victims worldwide.

The Ministry cited a recent case in Accra, Ghana, where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) rescued a group of Nigerians trapped in such operations.
“These tragic rescues reveal the dark reality behind seemingly attractive job offers,” the Ministry stated.

The Role of Cryptocurrency in Modern Cybercrime

Criminals have increasingly turned to cryptocurrency to finance and hide their operations.
The Ministry noted that many fake job offers today focus on crypto trading, blockchain consulting, or digital marketing roles—all designed to attract tech-savvy youths.

However, when victims arrive at their supposed workplaces, they are forced into long hours of cyber fraud under brutal conditions, with no actual employment opportunity in sight.

“Cybercriminals exploit the excitement surrounding digital currencies to lure in young Nigerians,” the Ministry warned.
“They use cryptocurrency’s untraceable nature to move money and cover their tracks.”

Families, Victims, and Nigeria’s Image at Risk

The impact of this crime wave reaches far beyond individual victims.
Families back home often lose contact with their loved ones for months or even years, not knowing their fate. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s reputation suffers on the global stage, as cases of cybercrime wrongly tarnish millions of law-abiding Nigerians.

The Ministry described the crisis as “a multi-layered tragedy” hurting not just families and communities, but the nation as a whole.

A Strong Appeal for Vigilance

The Federal Government issued a firm appeal to Nigerian youths and parents: be cautious and verify every job offer thoroughly.

“No matter how appealing an opportunity sounds, verification through official channels is absolutely essential,” the Ministry stressed.
“Parents must get involved—ask questions, and encourage children to double-check opportunities before making dangerous decisions.”

Citizens were also urged to report any suspicious employment offers immediately to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Immigration Service, or the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Government Steps to Combat the Crisis

The Federal Government reassured Nigerians that it is taking active steps to dismantle these criminal networks.
Nigeria is working closely with neighboring countries, international law enforcement agencies like INTERPOL, and organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Efforts include:

• Strengthening border security

• Enhancing intelligence sharing across the region

• Updating cybercrime laws

• Launching nationwide awareness campaigns

Moreover, rescued victims are being offered rehabilitation support, psychological counseling, and reintegration assistance to help them rebuild their lives after their traumatic experiences.

“The dignity and safety of Nigerians remain our top priority,” the Ministry stated.
“We will not relent until every victim is free and every perpetrator brought to justice.”

Rising Threats: Sextortion Cases Highlight Growing Cyber Risks

This warning follows shortly after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed alarming losses related to sextortion scams, many of them linked to Nigerian nationals.

The FBI reported that Americans lost nearly $65 million over the past two years due to sextortion crimes, where criminals threaten to release compromising photos unless immediate payment is made—often demanded through cryptocurrencies or mobile apps.

This emerging trend shows how cybercriminals continue to exploit technology, making coordinated global action more urgent than ever.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Nigeria’s Future

As cybercrime syndicates grow more sophisticated, Nigeria’s response must be equally strong.
Citizens, government agencies, law enforcement, and international partners all have a role to play.

Public vigilance, careful verification of opportunities, early reporting of suspicious activities, and ongoing education will be critical in stopping the spread of cyber slavery.

The Ministry’s final message was clear:
“Stay alert. Stay informed. Together, we can protect Nigeria’s youths and future generations from falling victim to this modern form of slavery.”