The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), working with the British High Commission Abuja, has held a major survivor-centred event to address the growing global crisis of human trafficking into cyber-enabled scam operations across Southeast Asia.
What Happened?
The event, titled “Confronting the Global Scam Centre Crisis: Perspectives of Nigerian Survivors,” brought together 23 recently repatriated Nigerians who were deceived with fake job offers and trafficked to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Once there, criminals forced them to run sophisticated online fraud schemes under brutal and life-threatening conditions.
How Were They Rescued?
NAPTIP, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, and British NGO EDEN coordinated the rescue operation.
Their teams conducted ground-level operations along the Thai–Myanmar border and carried out welfare visits to survivors held at Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Centre before securing their safe return to Nigeria.
How Big Is This Problem?
According to the UN OHCHR’s 2026 report, “A Wicked Problem,“ at least 120,000 people are currently held in forced scam operations inside Myanmar alone, with the figure rising to over 300,000 across Southeast Asia.
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Survivors come from at least 66 countries. Between 2020 and 2025, 74% of all known victims were lured to Southeast Asia with promises of high-paying jobs.
What Did Officials Say?
UK Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever OBE reaffirmed that the UK stands firmly with Nigeria in confronting the threat.
NAPTIP’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe, praised the survivors’ courage and pledged the agency’s continued commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
One survivor issued a powerful warning:
“I was promised a good job and a chance for a better life. Instead, I was trapped and forced to do things that went against everything I believe in. I am sharing my story so that other Nigerians can recognise the warning signs.”
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Authorities have urged the public to stay alert. Legitimate employers never recruit through WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook. No credible employer asks for upfront payment. Any overseas job that requires only a tourist visa is a scam — do not accept it.
