NAPTIP Raises Alarm As Human Traffickers Target Women At Gyms

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned Nigerians, particularly women who visit gyms and recreational centres, about the growing activities of human traffickers who use social relationships, online scams and seemingly harmless offers of assistance to lure unsuspecting victims.

The agency also raised concerns over increasing cases of sextortion, relationship scams, rape and revenge pornography, urging Nigerians to exercise caution when interacting with strangers both online and in public places.

NAPTIP’s Public Relations Officer, Vincent Adekoye, gave the warning on Thursday during a briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for public relations officers of security agencies in Abuja.

Adekoye explained that traffickers were increasingly exploiting people’s trust and social relationships to gain access to potential victims before eventually drawing them into criminal activities.

He said they often begin by offering assistance with domestic responsibilities, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday needs as a way of establishing familiarity and obtaining their victims’ telephone numbers.

The NAPTIP spokesman explained that after gaining access to their contact details, the suspects gradually build relationships with them by making regular calls, sometimes at odd hours, while presenting themselves as trustworthy people who are always available to help.

He added that traffickers sometimes take advantage of difficult situations, such as vehicle breakdowns, by suddenly appearing with offers of assistance.

According to him, these gestures are often deliberate strategies designed to gain the confidence of unsuspecting individuals before exploiting them.

Adekoye also identified fraudulent online job advertisements as another major method used by human traffickers to deceive Nigerians.

He explained that some job seekers travel long distances in search of employment opportunities, only to discover that the offers are traps designed to expose them to exploitation.

He cited the case of a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to Abuja after receiving an alleged employment offer from a law chamber but eventually became a victim of human trafficking.

He said some victims suffer severe emotional and psychological trauma, with certain cases resulting in unwanted pregnancies.

Adekoye, who disclosed that he personally interacted with the affected lawyer, described the experience as deeply disturbing.

He therefore advised Nigerians against rushing into online friendships or accepting attractive offers from people whose identities and intentions have not been properly verified.

He particularly warned job seekers to investigate employment opportunities carefully and exercise caution when strangers offer financial assistance, employment or other benefits.

Providing an update on the agency’s operations, Adekoye disclosed that NAPTIP had secured the convictions of 16 persons for human trafficking and related offences.

He further revealed that the agency had rescued and received 221 Nigerian trafficking victims through the international airports in Abuja and Lagos.

According to him, improved surveillance operations at the Aminu Kano International Airport also led to the interception of 65 potential trafficking victims who were allegedly being recruited for exploitation in the Middle East.

The NAPTIP spokesman also disclosed that the agency, working with the Rivers State Government, had shut down 16 suspicious health facilities in Port Harcourt following a nationwide operation targeting compromised medical centres.

On the investigation into the alleged trafficking of more than 300 children from Benue and Nasarawa States, Adekoye said the agency had recorded further progress.

He explained that the suspect allegedly involved in the case had presented himself as a civil society leader.

He added that NAPTIP operatives had recovered six additional children, bringing the total number of rescued minors in the investigation to 117.

Adekoye said the formal trial of the suspects was ongoing in Makurdi, Benue State.

He further disclosed that the agency had intensified public awareness campaigns in response to reported increases in sextortion, rape and revenge pornography across the country.

NAPTIP urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, verify the identities of people they meet online and in social environments, and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities to prevent human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

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