Beware of online human traffickers, TMP warns

Nigerians have been warned against the activities of human traffickers who operate online via social media, mobile apps and other online platforms.

The Migrant Project (TMP) gave this advice in Lagos, noting that human traffickers whose interest is to exploit women, men and children through forced labour and commercial sex, now recruit unsuspecting persons online, most often via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, DatingSites, among others.

“We have noticed a disturbing rise in the modus operandi of human traffickers. They now recruit, groom and control their victims online, riding on the possibilities of digital anonymity, which makes it easier and cheaper for them to reach and recruit their victims online,” said Tayo Elegbede, Media Lead of TMP in a statement.

He noted that predators pose online either as travel agents with enticing  deals, recruitment agencies with job offers or as lovers via dating sites and social media platforms who would build trust before unleashing their inhumane intent.

“There has been a rise in the number of Nigerians trafficked in and out of the country, many of whom recently returned from Middle East countries like Lebanon and Oman.”