First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against online scams that human traffickers increasingly use to exploit young people.
She made the appeal on Thursday in a message marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30.
First Lady warns of emerging trafficking tactics
Tinubu described human trafficking as a modern form of slavery that has evolved beyond its traditional methods. According to her, traffickers now exploit victims through online scams, forced criminality and transnational organised crime.
She said this year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” highlights a growing form of human trafficking. The campaign focuses on fake overseas job and investment offers that trap many young Nigerians.
The First Lady noted that educated graduates also fall victim to the scams. As a result, many victims end up in exploitation and forced criminal activities.
Nigerians urged to remain vigilant
Tinubu urged individuals, communities and institutions to stay alert as traffickers continue to change their tactics. In addition, she encouraged Nigerians to identify suspicious activities and report them to the appropriate authorities.
“Let us remain vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation,” she said.
“Through collective action, we can build a safer society where every person can live in freedom, dignity and hope. We say ‘no’ to human trafficking today.”
Nigeria continues to face trafficking challenge
The United Nations General Assembly established the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in 2013. Since then, countries have marked the day every July 30 to raise awareness about human trafficking and promote the protection of victims’ rights.
Meanwhile, Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by human trafficking. It serves as a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficking networks.
According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), authorities have rescued about 156 victims since January 2026. The agency also repatriated more than 300 victims from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025.
NAPTIP raises concern over scam compounds
NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu Bello recently said traffickers move more than 300,000 people into scam compounds across Southeast Asia every year. She explained that criminal groups force many victims to operate romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and fake investment schemes targeting people in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Furthermore, the agency warned that traffickers increasingly lure educated young Nigerians with promises of jobs in information technology, digital marketing and cryptocurrency trading.
However, traffickers seize their passports once they arrive. They then force many victims to participate in online fraud under threats of violence. Consequently, authorities now regard the scam-compound model as one of the fastest-growing forms of human trafficking.
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