The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the British High Commission in Abuja have amplified the voices of Nigerian survivors of human trafficking, warning of a growing global crisis that is funnelling victims into cyber-enabled scam centres across Southeast Asia.
At a survivor-centred forum on Monday in Abuja titled “Confronting the Global Scam Centre Crisis: Perspectives of Nigerian Survivors”, recently repatriated Nigerians recounted how they were lured abroad with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be trafficked to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, where they were forced to participate in sophisticated online fraud schemes under abusive conditions.
The event followed a joint rescue operation involving NAPTIP, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, and the British non-governmental organisation EDEN, which led to the safe return of 23 Nigerians earlier this month. The coordinated effort included on-the-ground triangulation at the Thai–Myanmar border and welfare visits to affected nationals held at Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Centre.
According to a 2026 report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights titled A Wicked Problem, at least 120,000 people are believed to be trapped in forced scam operations in Myanmar alone, with the figure rising to more than 300,000 across Southeast Asia. The report estimates that between 2020 and 2025, 74 per cent of known victims trafficked into scam centres worldwide were taken to the region after being promised high-paying jobs.
Speaking at the event, Gill Lever, Deputy High Commissioner, said the UK was committed to working closely with Nigerian authorities and partners to ensure survivors receive trauma-informed care and safe repatriation.
“We are here today to listen to survivors who have shown remarkable bravery in sharing their experiences,” she said, noting that their testimonies would help prevent others from falling victim. Lever added that the UK stands firmly with Nigeria and other African Commonwealth partners in confronting what she described as a rapidly evolving threat.
Representing the Director-General of NAPTIP, the agency’s Director of Public Enlightenment said the testimonies exposed the “brutal reality” of trafficking into scam centres.
The courage these survivors have shown in sharing their stories is remarkable,” she said. “Their experiences expose the brutal reality of trafficking into scam centres, a crime that strips people of their dignity and freedom. NAPTIP remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens from this growing threat and is grateful for the steadfast support of our partners.”
One of the survivors, who spoke voluntarily at the forum, said he had been deceived with the promise of a better life abroad.
“I was promised opportunity, a good job and a chance for a better life. Instead, I was trapped and forced to do things that went against everything I believe in, while living in constant fear,” he said, explaining that he chose to speak out so other Nigerians could recognise the warning signs.
Officials said the forum was designed to provide a safe platform for survivors to share their experiences while raising public awareness about the tactics used by trafficking networks targeting young Nigerians with fraudulent overseas job offers.
