Traffickers exploit gyms, fake jobs to recruit victims – NAPTIP

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. Photo: NAPTIP

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has warned Nigerians against human traffickers who exploit social relationships, gyms and fake job adverts to lure unsuspecting victims.

The agency said traffickers often approach women in recreational centres and other social environments, build relationships with them and gradually gain their trust before luring them into trafficking networks.

The spokesman for NAPTIP, Adekoye Vincent, gave the warning on Thursday during a joint briefing by security and intelligence agencies in Abuja.

Vincent explained that traffickers sometimes disguise themselves as service providers offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping and other everyday activities to establish familiarity with potential victims.

He said, “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 traffickers obtain the telephone numbers of their targets and gradually build relationships by making themselves appear dependable and readily available to offer assistance.

He said some would deliberately appear whenever their potential victims encountered difficulties, including vehicle breakdowns, as part of efforts to win their confidence.

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“These seemingly harmless gestures are often part of a deliberate strategy to gain the victim’s trust,” he said.

The NAPTIP spokesman also raised concerns over the use of fake job advertisements, particularly online, to deceive job seekers and lure them into trafficking networks.

He disclosed that the agency had recorded cases of Nigerians who travelled long distances in search of employment but ended up in 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.

“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 trafficking cases could have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for victims, sometimes resulting in unwanted pregnancies.

He urged Nigerians to exercise caution when establishing 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.