Burkina Faso’s embassy in Nigeria has drawn attention to a “vast network of scams and human trafficking” operation between Ouagadougou and Abuja.
This involves promises of visas followed by kidnappings.
“The embassy has been contacted on several occasions by young Burkinabe who have been victims of scams and kidnapping by individuals residing in Nigeria, more specifically in certain localities on the outskirts of Abuja, the federal capital,” the diplomatic representation based in Abuja stated in a press release dated 23 August 2024.
According to the embassy, the modus operandi of the network, made up of Burkinabe and other nationalities, is to lure their victims with offers of entry visas to Europe or the United States, via Nigeria.
“As soon as they arrive in Abuja, the victims are picked up by individuals and taken to their premises. It is then that they realise that they have been swindled and held hostage in appalling conditions,” the embassy said.
Some young Burkinabe were able to escape from the hands of their captors and were repatriated by the embassy.
However, according to their accounts, a large number of people are still being held hostage.
The embassy has warned young people in Burkina Faso of the “high risk” for those who intend to emigrate via these types of networks, and advised them to be more cautious and vigilant.
DS/Sf/ac/fss/as/APA