In furtherance of its unwavering efforts against organized crime, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths believed to be victims of human trafficking from Thailand.
Vincent Adekoye, Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit, revealed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with Eden (Myanmar) and received crucial support from the British Government.
The victims, who have now returned to Nigeria, were reportedly deceived and recruited for illegal activities in Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. They were coerced into participating in cyber-enabled crimes such as romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and investment scams in these nations.
This rescue operation follows a recent commitment made by NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, to intensify efforts against human traffickers operating within the country. She emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration and strategic measures to detect, dismantle, and disrupt the activities of those targeting vulnerable Nigerians.
As part of her address regarding the operation and the exploitation faced by the victims, the Director General highlighted the evolving tactics of traffickers and called for the collective efforts of all stakeholders to combat this pressing issue.
“This is a new dimension of the human trafficking phenomenon that targets vibrant and intelligent Nigerians. The trafficker goes after boys and girls who have one skill or the other, but preferably computer and IT skills, and those who do not drink alcohol or smoke. They promised them a scholarship and gainful employment.
“On arrival at the destination Country, the victims are trained on various methods of scam. Some of them are enrolled in the language school, preferably Chinese, and, within the shortest time, graduate as translators and are offered the role of Customer Care to deceive their targets.
“The victims explained that they were compelled to target individuals and organizations from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and Canada for romance scams, investment scams, cryptocurrency scams, and other online fraud.
“They disclosed that they were accommodated in a hostel with bunks and provided with all the necessary gadgets, and are forced to go after their targets. They are monitored by fierce – looking mafia guys who also torture any of them who refuse to meet their daily targets.
“The Victims also explained that while a few of them who refused to do the bidding of the traffickers are tortured to death inside the horror chamber called ‘the dark room’, others had their organs harvested, especially the young ones with non-smoking history.
“This is a new dimension in trafficking to destination Countries in the Southeast Asian Region, and it is disturbing. We have reactivated our various connections so that, with the support of partners, this deadly trafficking syndicate will be dislodged and the ringleaders arrested.
“NAPTIP appreciates the support and collaboration of members of the Civil Society organization in the South Asia Region, Eden (Myanmar), the British Government, and also the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.
“The Embassy played a significant role in facilitating the repatriation process, including the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) for some of the victims”, the NAPTIP Director General stated.
