Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has alerted citizens to remain vigilant as online scams increasingly serve as a pathway for luring individuals into human trafficking.
In a statement commemorating the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, she highlighted that human trafficking has evolved beyond traditional methods, now involving online fraud, coerced criminal activities, and organized cross-border crimes.
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Referencing this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” Tinubu noted that numerous young Nigerians, including graduates, are misled by false job, investment, and travel offers abroad. Many of these individuals end up in exploitative situations, having their passports confiscated and being forced into online fraud activities.
She called upon Nigerians, communities, and organizations to stay alert, safeguard vulnerable populations, and report any suspicious behaviors, emphasizing that collective efforts are vital in combating exploitation.
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“Let us stay vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation,” she stated, asserting that everyone deserves to live in freedom, dignity, and hope.
Nigeria continues to be a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons indicated that 156 victims have been rescued since January 2026, while over 300 Nigerians were repatriated from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025.
The agency also revealed that traffickers are increasingly targeting victims with fraudulent job offers in fields like IT, digital marketing, and cryptocurrency, leading them into romance scams and other online fraud operations abroad.
