Traffickers now target gym users, lure job seekers with fake offers — NAPTIP
by Hassan Muaz · The Eagle OnlineThe National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned Nigerians about emerging tactics used by human traffickers, including targeting women at gyms, exploiting social relationships and advertising fake job opportunities.
The agency said traffickers often approach unsuspecting women at recreational centres and other social gatherings, gradually build relationships with them and gain their trust before luring them into trafficking networks.
NAPTIP spokesman, Adekoye Vincent, raised the alarm on Thursday during a joint briefing by security and intelligence agencies in Abuja.
Vincent explained that traffickers sometimes pose as service providers, offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping and other everyday activities to establish familiarity with potential victims.
“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 suspects obtain the telephone numbers of their targets and gradually build relationships by presenting themselves as dependable individuals who are readily available to offer help.
He said some deliberately show up whenever potential victims encounter difficulties, including vehicle breakdowns, as part of efforts to establish trust.
“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 use of fake job advertisements, particularly online, to deceive job seekers and recruit them into trafficking networks.
He disclosed that the agency had recorded 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.
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“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 personally interacted with the victim, describing the experience as deeply disturbing.
Vincent further warned that human trafficking could have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for victims, sometimes 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 advised.
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