The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned gym-goers, particularly women, to be wary of sextortion, relationship scams and human trafficking.
The agency’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 said traffickers were exploiting social relationships and the trust of unsuspecting individuals to lure them into criminal networks.
He said potential victims were often approached at gyms, recreational centres and other social environments by individuals who initially presented themselves as helpful service providers.
According to him, the individuals offered assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities to establish familiarity and obtain victims’ telephone numbers.
“Once they obtain their contact details, they gradually become familiar with them, sometimes calling at odd hours and presenting themselves as dependable individuals who are always available to help.
“They may offer assistance when someone experiences difficulties, such as a vehicle breakdown, or suddenly appear with offers of help.
“These seemingly harmless gestures are often part of a deliberate strategy to gain the victim’s trust,” he said.
The NAPTIP spokesman also identified fraudulent online job advertisements as a method used by traffickers to lure unsuspecting Nigerians.
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He said some job seekers travelled long distances in search of employment but ended up in the hands of traffickers.
Adekoye cited the case of a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to Abuja for an alleged job opportunity at a law chamber but became a trafficking victim.
He said some trafficking cases had devastating emotional and psychological consequences, including unwanted pregnancies.
“I personally interacted with the victim, and the experience was deeply disturbing,” he said.
Adekoye urged Nigerians to exercise caution when forming online relationships 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.
Providing updates on the agency’s operations, Adekoye said NAPTIP had secured the convictions of 16 persons for human trafficking and related offences.
He said the agency had also rescued and received 221 Nigerian trafficking victims through the international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
According to him, enhanced surveillance at the Aminu Kano International Airport led to the interception of 65 potential trafficking victims allegedly being recruited for exploitation in the Middle East.
Adekoye further disclosed that NAPTIP, in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, had shut down 16 suspicious health facilities in Port Harcourt following a nationwide operation targeting compromised medical centres.
He said the agency had also made progress in investigating the alleged trafficking of more than 300 children from Benue and Nasarawa States.
According to him, the suspect allegedly posed as a civil society leader.
He added that operatives had recovered six more children, bringing the total number of rescued minors in the case to 117.
Adekoye said the formal trial of the suspects was ongoing in Makurdi.
He also said NAPTIP had intensified public awareness campaigns following a reported increase in sextortion, rape and revenge pornography across the country.
