The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a public warning about the evolving tactics used by human traffickers, who are increasingly exploiting social relationships, gyms, and fake job advertisements to recruit unsuspecting victims.
The agency disclosed that traffickers frequently approach women in recreational centres and other social environments, building relationships and gradually earning their trust before drawing them into trafficking networks.
Traffickers Pose as Service Providers
The warning was delivered by NAPTIP’s spokesman, Adekoye Vincent, on Thursday during a joint briefing by security and intelligence agencies in Abuja. According to Vincent, traffickers sometimes disguise themselves as service providers offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping, and other everyday activities in order to establish familiarity with potential victims.
“Traffickers are increasingly exploiting social relationships and the vulnerabilities of unsuspecting individuals, particularly women, to lure victims into their traps,” he said.
“One of the methods they use is to approach people in places such as gyms, recreational centres and other social environments. They initially present themselves as service providers, offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities.”
Vincent explained that after obtaining the telephone numbers of their targets, traffickers gradually build relationships by presenting themselves as dependable and readily available to offer help. Some, he noted, deliberately appear whenever their potential victims encounter difficulties, including vehicle breakdowns, as part of efforts to win their confidence.
“These seemingly harmless gestures are often part of a deliberate strategy to gain the victim’s trust,” he said.
Fake Job Advertisements Used as Recruitment Tools
The NAPTIP spokesman also raised concerns over the use of fake job advertisements, particularly online, to deceive job seekers and lure them into trafficking networks. He revealed that the agency had recorded cases of Nigerians who travelled long distances in search of employment but ended up in the hands of traffickers.
“We have recorded very disturbing cases involving people who travelled long distances in search of employment opportunities only to fall into the hands of traffickers,” Vincent said.
He described one particularly troubling case involving a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to a law chamber in Abuja but unfortunately fell into the wrong hands. Vincent added that he personally interacted with the victim and described the experience as deeply disturbing.
Victims Face Severe Psychological Consequences
The agency further warned that trafficking cases could have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for victims, sometimes resulting in unwanted pregnancies.
Vincent urged Nigerians to exercise caution when establishing relationships online or accepting unsolicited offers of assistance and employment.
“People should avoid rushing into online friendships and should always verify the identities and intentions of individuals they meet, particularly those making attractive offers of jobs, financial assistance or other opportunities,” he advised.
Key Takeaways for the Public
The warning from NAPTIP highlights the need for heightened vigilance in everyday social settings. Traffickers are no longer confining their recruitment efforts to remote or obvious locations; they are operating in gyms, recreational centres, and online platforms where people naturally let down their guard.
Members of the public are encouraged to verify the identities of individuals they meet, whether in person or online, and to treat unsolicited offers of employment or financial assistance with suspicion. The agency’s advice is clear: slow down, ask questions, and confirm intentions before committing to any relationship or opportunity that seems too good to be true.
By staying informed about these deceptive recruitment methods, Nigerians can better protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to trafficking networks that prey on trust and vulnerability.
