NAPTIP Uncovers Cybercrime-Trafficking Ring in Southeast Asia, Rescues 23 Nigerian Youths

By: Michael Mike

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has exposed an emerging human trafficking route funneling Nigerian youths to Southeast Asia for forced involvement in cybercrime, rescuing and repatriating 23 victims from Thailand.

The victims, mostly young and tech-savvy Nigerians, were allegedly deceived with promises of scholarships and high-paying jobs abroad before being trafficked to countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Instead of legitimate employment, they were reportedly compelled to participate in sophisticated online fraud schemes targeting victims across several continents.

Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, described the development as a troubling shift in trafficking patterns, warning that criminal networks are now deliberately targeting educated and skilled youths.

“This is a disturbing evolution in the trafficking landscape,” Bello said. “The perpetrators are no longer focusing only on vulnerable, unskilled individuals. They now recruit intelligent young people with computer and IT skills, especially those with clean health backgrounds, under the guise of scholarships and professional opportunities.”

According to the agency, upon arrival in their destination countries, the victims were trained in cyber-enabled crimes such as romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and fake investment schemes. Some were enrolled in language programmes, particularly in Chinese, and later deployed as translators or customer service agents to engage and deceive foreign targets.

The rescued youths reportedly revealed that they were housed in tightly controlled facilities and monitored by armed guards. They were assigned daily fraud targets and subjected to threats, intimidation and physical abuse if they failed to comply.

In some instances, victims alleged that those who resisted were tortured, while others claimed there were threats of organ harvesting, particularly against younger recruits perceived to be in good health.

NAPTIP said the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with civil society organisation Eden (Myanmar), with significant support from the British Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, which facilitated emergency travel documentation for the victims.

The agency noted that the latest operation aligns with its renewed crackdown on organised trafficking networks. Bello reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to dismantling the syndicates behind the scheme and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We are strengthening our international partnerships and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to ensure these criminal networks are identified, disrupted and prosecuted,” she said.

Authorities said the 23 rescued Nigerians have arrived safely in the country and are currently undergoing profiling, counselling and rehabilitation as investigations continue.

The agency also urged parents, guardians and young professionals to be wary of overseas job offers that appear too good to be true, particularly those requiring travel to unfamiliar destinations without verifiable documentation.

The revelation underscores growing concerns about the convergence of human trafficking and transnational cybercrime, as criminal groups increasingly exploit digital skills to expand their illicit operations across borders.

NAPTIP Uncovers Cybercrime-Trafficking Ring in Southeast Asia, Rescues 23 Nigerian Youths

Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sologuru Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe DJ Nguru, for his extraordinary humanitarian contribution to the reconstruction and modernization of Rugar Balarabe in the Nguru local government area of Yobe State.

Governor Buni made the commendation in a letter of appreciation personally written by him to Balarabe DJ, saying, “Your selfless decision to transform the site of the burnt Fulani settlement into a state-of-the-art community is a landmark achievement in private philanthropy.”

According to Buni, the comprehensive nature of the facilities provided, including modern two-bedroom residences, a functional clinic, a community mosque, solar-powered boreholes, and full solar electrification for both houses and streets, is truly commendable.

“By donating these essential amenities entirely free of charge, you have not only restored the dignity of the displaced families but have also significantly advanced our administration’s rural revitalization agenda,” Buni said.

“Your forward-thinking approach to sustainable infrastructure sets a high standard for civic leadership in Yobe State, and I thank you for your unwavering patriotism and commitment to the welfare of our citizens.

He revealed that it is my hope that your generous spirit serves as an inspiration to others.

Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe

Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force North-East (JTF-NE) under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Desert Sanity V have neutralised 16 suspected terrorists during an ambush in Borno State.

Zagazola learnt that the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Hybrid Forces and local hunters.

According to the sources, the ambush was sprung at about 8:10 p.m. on Sunday at Komala Exchange Point, following a failed attack on Auno and credible intelligence on the movement of the same terrorist logistics elements.

“The troops, working with CJTF and other local components, successfully neutralised 16 terrorists and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and logistics items,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene included 62 wrappers, 76 pairs of shoes and slippers, 18 bicycles, 275 sachets of detergent, 50 packs of sweets, assorted local fragrances, milk sachets, vaseline, washing soap, groundnuts, seasoning, fruit drinks, palm oil and groundnut oil, mats, spaghetti, thread, matches, cups and spoons, sieves, flour, salt, bicycle tyres and equipment, sugar, cosmetics, local herbs and a cooler, among other items.

The sources said the recovered items were believed to be logistics supplies meant to sustain terrorist elements operating in the area.

Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush