ABUJA, April 27 (MENA) - Nigeria's Federal Government has raised alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa.

Spokesperson for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa said the country's foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar expressed concern over the alarming rise in cases of cyber-slavery across parts of West Africa, which he said “primarily targets Nigerian citizens, especially vulnerable youths”, the News Agency of Nigeria reported on Sunday.

According to him, many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.

“In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and forced to work in criminal call centres, often referred to as ‘419 cyber-scam factories,’” Tuggar said.

“There, under coercive and inhumane conditions, they are compelled to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide,” he added.

He cited a recent incident where the Economic and Organized Crime Office in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations,” Tuggar said

“It also underscored the urgent need for enhanced efforts to dismantle these multi-billion-dollar criminal networks and reduce the vulnerability of potential victims,” he added.

Tuggar advised Nigerians to verify all employment offers through official channels and to report any suspicious cases to relevant authorities for prompt investigation and action. (MENA)

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