Nigeria raises alarm over ‘cyber slavery’ as dozens of youths rescued from scam syndicates in Ghana
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed “grave concern” over the alarming surge in cyber slavery targeting Nigerian youths across West Africa, following the recent rescue of over 200 young Nigerians from cybercrime syndicates in Ghana.
A statement on Sunday by the Spokesperson of, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said many victims, including underage teenagers, were lured abroad by false promises of lucrative jobs, only to be trafficked and forced to work in brutal “419 cyber-scam factories” under inhumane conditions.
Dailyeconomy gathered that the victims had been locked up in about 25 rooms within the estate where they were used to perpetrate cybercrimes.
However, Nigeria described these operations as “modern slavery-obnoxious and an example of man’s inhumanity to man,” and warned Nigerian youths and parents to be extremely cautious of job offers promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.
The statement enunciates, “The Ministry notes with dismay a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana rescued and detained a group of Nigerians forced to engage in cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.
“The Ministry strongly warns all Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise the utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies. Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.”
The Federal Government affirmed its commitment to working with regional partners and international organisations to combat these criminal networks, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We remain committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” the Nigeria Foreign Ministry stated.
