The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised concerns over criminal networks exploiting social interactions at gyms and recreational centres to lure unsuspecting Nigerians, particularly women, into trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The agency also disclosed that it had secured 16 convictions for trafficking-related offences and rescued or received 221 Nigerian victims through international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
NAPTIP’s Public Relations Officer, Vincent Adekoye, revealed this on Thursday during a security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for public relations officers of security agencies in Abuja.
Adekoye explained that traffickers increasingly relied on deception and carefully cultivated relationships to gain access to potential victims.
According to him, suspects often approached individuals at fitness centres and other social gatherings, offering assistance with shopping, domestic responsibilities and everyday challenges.
He said the initial gestures were sometimes designed to obtain telephone numbers and gradually establish trust.
“They may offer assistance when someone experiences difficulties, such as a vehicle breakdown, or suddenly appear with offers of help,” he stated.
“These seemingly harmless gestures are often part of a deliberate strategy to gain the victim’s trust.”
The spokesman also identified fraudulent employment advertisements and online relationships as methods used to recruit trafficking victims.
He cited the case of a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to Abuja for a purported job opportunity at a law firm but was subsequently trafficked.
Adekoye warned that victims could suffer serious psychological and emotional consequences, including trauma arising from sexual exploitation.
He urged Nigerians to verify employment offers and exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar individuals promising financial assistance or attractive opportunities.
Providing operational updates, the spokesman disclosed that enhanced surveillance at Aminu Kano International Airport had led to the interception of 65 potential trafficking victims allegedly being recruited for exploitation in the Middle East.
He also revealed that NAPTIP, working with the Rivers State Government, had closed 16 suspicious health facilities in Port Harcourt following an operation targeting compromised medical centres.
On child trafficking, Adekoye said investigations were progressing into the alleged trafficking of more than 300 children from Benue and Nasarawa states.
He explained that a suspect allegedly impersonated a civil society leader during the operation.
According to him, six additional children had been recovered, bringing the number rescued in the case to 117.
He added that the suspects were undergoing trial in Makurdi.
Adekoye further disclosed that the agency had intensified awareness campaigns in response to reported increases in sextortion, rape and the non-consensual circulation of intimate images.
He encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment activities to the appropriate authorities.
The agency maintained that public awareness, careful verification of offers and cooperation with security agencies remained important in preventing trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Ezeana Emmanuel
