The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised an alarm over a new strategy employed by human traffickers, who are exploiting global brand trademarks to offer fraudulent Oil and Gas job opportunities, luring unsuspecting youths and others to neighboring West African countries for exploitation.

The Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri–Azi, who disclosed this concerning trend at in Abuja, warned that victims are promised unrealistically high monthly incomes, often instructed to bring large sums of money for documentation and other expenses. Upon arrival at their destination, traffickers confiscate the victims’ money, phones, and personal belongings.

Victims, typically aged between 15 and 35, are trafficked through waterways and land routes, with Ode Jetty in Lagos serving as a key point of transit.

Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi urged Nigerians to exercise caution and seek advice before accepting tempting offers, emphasizing, “Do not allow desperation to cloud your judgment.