National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Thursday, cautioned women and other gym goers to be wary of individuals who exploit social interactions to lure unsuspecting victims into sextortion and other relationship scams.

The Agency’s spokesperson, Mr Adekoye Vincent, gave the warning while speaking during a joint security press briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

He disclosed that traffickers and fraudsters were increasingly targeting people in gyms, recreational centres and other social environments, using seemingly harmless gestures and offers of assistance to gain their trust.

He pointed out that some of the perpetrators initially presented themselves as service providers, offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities.

According to him, “they gradually establish familiarity with their targets, exchange telephone numbers and maintain regular contact until they gain their confidence.

“They initially present themselves as service providers, offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities.

“Through these interactions, they establish familiarity and exchange telephone numbers with their potential victims.

“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 Identified fraudulent job advertisements as another method used by traffickers to lure unsuspecting Nigerians into exploitation networks.

According to him, “some individuals, including job seekers, are deceived through fraudulent employment opportunities advertised online.

“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.”

He cited the case of a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to a law chamber in Abuja in search of employment but allegedly fell victim to traffickers.

According to him, “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. I personally interacted with the victim, and the experience was deeply disturbing.

“Some of these cases also have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for victims, with some resulting in unwanted pregnancies”.

He urged Nigerians to exercise caution 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 said.

While giving an update on the agency’s operations, Vincent said NAPTIP had secured the convictions of 16 individuals for human trafficking and violence-related offences.

He added that the agency had rescued and received 221 Nigerian trafficking victims through the 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.

He also disclosed that the agency had launched a nationwide operation targeting compromised medical facilities, resulting in the closure of 16 suspicious health centres in Port Harcourt in collaboration with the Rivers State Government.

Speaking on the investigation into the alleged trafficking of more than 300 children from Benue and Nasarawa by a suspect posing as a civil society leader, Vincent said operatives had recovered six additional children, bringing the total number rescued to 117.

He said the trial of the suspects was ongoing in Makurdi. (Nigerian Tribune)