The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Benin Zonal Command, has raised concerns over the growing use of digital platforms by human traffickers to recruit and exploit unsuspecting victims, warning that young Nigerians are increasingly being trapped through sophisticated online scams.
The warning came during a stakeholders’ dialogue held in Benin City to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Trapped Behind the Scam.” The event brought together law enforcement agencies, migration experts, cyber security professionals and other stakeholders to examine the changing tactics of traffickers in the digital age.
Unlike in the past when traffickers relied mainly on physical contact or intermediaries to recruit victims, stakeholders said social media platforms and other online channels have become powerful tools for targeting vulnerable people.
They identified platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, as well as fake job advertisements, scholarship offers, modelling opportunities and online romance schemes, as some of the methods now being used to lure victims.
Speaking at the event, the Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Barrister Sam Afia, said the fight against human trafficking must continue to evolve as traffickers adopt more sophisticated strategies.
According to him, law enforcement agencies, communities and families must stay ahead of criminal networks by improving awareness and adapting to emerging trends in online recruitment.
Experts at the dialogue explained that traffickers often spend weeks or even months building trust with their targets before introducing fraudulent opportunities or making demands, making it increasingly difficult for victims to recognise the deception until it is too late.
Resource persons from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and information technology professionals also stressed the need for greater patience and digital intelligence in tracking online trafficking networks.
They called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, technology experts and digital platforms to combat cyber-enabled trafficking, while advocating improved data protection measures and dedicated reporting channels for online scams.
The stakeholders further urged parents to pay closer attention to the online activities of their children, noting that many adults are unfamiliar with the social media platforms where traffickers now operate.
They warned that as technology continues to reshape communication and social interaction, public awareness and digital literacy have become essential tools in preventing human trafficking.
Participants agreed that while technology has created enormous opportunities for education, employment and social connection, it has also provided criminal networks with new ways to exploit vulnerable persons.
They urged Nigerians to verify online offers, exercise caution when dealing with strangers on social media and promptly report suspicious accounts or activities to the appropriate authorities.