The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has cautioned Nigerians about traffickers who exploit social relationships, gyms and fraudulent job advertisements to lure unsuspecting people into trafficking networks.
The agency said traffickers often target women at gyms, recreational centres and other social gatherings, gradually building relationships and gaining their trust before attempting to exploit them.
NAPTIP’s spokesman, Adekoye Vincent, gave the warning on Thursday during a joint briefing by security and intelligence agencies in Abuja.
Vincent explained that traffickers sometimes pose as service providers, offering help with domestic needs, shopping and other everyday activities to establish familiarity with potential victims.
He said, “Traffickers are increasingly exploiting social relationships and the vulnerabilities of unsuspecting individuals, particularly women, to lure victims into their traps.
“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.”
According to him, the traffickers obtain their targets’ telephone numbers and gradually build relationships by presenting themselves as dependable people who are readily available to help.
He said some deliberately turn up whenever potential victims encounter difficulties, including vehicle breakdowns, as part of efforts to earn their confidence.
“These seemingly harmless gestures are often part of a deliberate strategy to gain the victim’s trust,” he said.
The NAPTIP spokesman also expressed concern over the growing use of fake job advertisements, particularly online, to deceive job seekers and draw them into trafficking networks.
He disclosed that the agency had documented cases of Nigerians who travelled long distances in search of employment but eventually fell into 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.
“One particularly troubling case involved a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to a law chamber in Abuja but unfortunately fell into the wrong hands,” Vincent said.
He added that he had personally interacted with the victim, describing the experience as deeply disturbing.
Vincent further warned that human trafficking could have severe emotional and psychological consequences for victims, including unwanted pregnancies.
He urged Nigerians to be cautious when forming 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.