Nigeria Sounds Alarm Over Digital Human Trafficking Surge
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Federal Government has expressed grave concern over the increasing exploitation of digital platforms by human traffickers to lure and exploit victims.
This alarm was sounded by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, during the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Addressing a gathering of stakeholders including government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners, Fagbemi emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adapt its strategies to combat this evolving threat.
He stated that traffickers are leveraging the anonymity and reach of the internet and social media to target vulnerable individuals, making the fight against human trafficking more complex and challenging.
“Human traffickers are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to lure and exploit victims,” Fagbemi declared. “This requires us to respond with equal speed and innovation to counter their nefarious activities.”
He highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling human trafficking in all its forms, stressing that the digital dimension necessitates a more agile and technologically informed approach.
The Attorney General urged stakeholders to collaborate on developing innovative counter-strategies that can effectively address this emerging trend.
The Forum, themed around strengthening national efforts against human trafficking, provided a platform for discussions on various aspects of combating the crime.
The rising use of technology by traffickers was identified as a critical area requiring immediate attention.
Experts at the forum echoed Fagbemi’s concerns, pointing to the ease with which traffickers can operate online, using social media, messaging apps, and online recruitment platforms to groom and deceive victims.
They highlighted the challenges in tracking and prosecuting these crimes due to the borderless nature of the internet.
Participants called for enhanced cybersecurity measures, increased digital literacy to empower potential victims to recognize and avoid online trafficking schemes, and stronger collaboration with tech companies to identify and remove trafficking-related content.
The Federal Government’s acknowledgment of the digital dimension of human trafficking underscores the evolving nature of this global crime.
Fagbemi’s call for “equal speed and innovation” signals a commitment to adapting Nigeria’s counter-trafficking efforts to effectively address the challenges posed by the digital age and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation in the online space.
The outcomes of the forum are expected to inform new policies and strategies aimed at curbing digital human trafficking and holding perpetrators accountable.
Tolu Adebayo
Reporter/Social Media Manager
