The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned Nigerians to beware of fake job offers, scholarships and travel opportunities on social media.
The Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Sam Offiah, gave the warning on Thursday in Benin during the activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The awareness campaign, which has the theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam’’, was organised by NAPTIP in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under its anti-human trafficking project in Nigeria.
Mr. Offiah said that human traffickers were increasingly exploiting digital platforms to recruit unsuspecting victims.
He said that the theme reflected the growing use of social media and other online platforms by traffickers.
He said that the traffickers used the platforms to lure victims with false promises of employment, education, modelling opportunities and better lives abroad.
‘’Many victims only realise they have been deceived after arriving at their destinations, where they are subjected to various forms of exploitation, ‘’ he said.
The zonal commander urged young people and other Nigerians to be cautious of opportunities that appeared too good to be true and to verify every offer before taking action.
“Traffickers have become more sophisticated.
‘’They now exploit technology and social media to deceive unsuspecting persons with promises of jobs, scholarships, modelling opportunities and travel abroad.
“People must verify every opportunity before responding because many of these offers are designed to lure victims into exploitation,” he said.
Offiah described human trafficking as a gross violation of human rights and called for greater public vigilance and community participation in tackling the crime.
Local media reports stated that the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30 to raise awareness on human trafficking and promote the protection of victims worldwide.
The reports added that some of the activities to commemorate the day included a road walk by NAPTIP staff, who walked through major streets of Benin City to sensitise residents on the dangers of human trafficking.
GIK/APA