• Spotlight Nigerian survivors of scam trafficking

Sopuruchi Onwuka

The British High Commission (BHC) in Nigeria, which played key role in rescue and safe return of Nigerians who were lured and forced to work at scam hubs in Asia, has activated enlightenment program to warn travelers against the dangers of blindly pursuing overseas jobs.

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The BHC stated on Monday that it is in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in convening a survivor-centered event to highlight the growing crisis of human trafficking into cyber-enabled scam operations across Southeast Asia.

According to the UN human rights office’s 2026 report, “A Wicked Problem,” an estimated 120,000 people are currently being held in forced scam compounds in Myanmar alone, with more than 300,000 affected across Southeast Asia.

The report states that victims originate from at least 66 countries, and that between 2020 and 2025, 74 percent of known victims trafficked into scam centers globally were taken to Southeast Asia after being promised high-paying jobs.

The BHC sponsored event, titled “Confronting the Global Scam Center Crisis: Perspectives of Nigerian Survivors,” brought together recently repatriated Nigerians who were lured abroad with fraudulent job offers and later trafficked to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.

Many were allegedly forced to carry out sophisticated online fraud schemes under coercive and abusive conditions.

The programme follows coordinated efforts by NAPTIP, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok and British NGO EDEN, which led to the rescue and safe return of 23 Nigerian nationals earlier this month.

The operation included on-the-ground coordination at the Thai–Myanmar border and welfare visits to affected individuals held at Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Center.

At the Abuja event, survivors voluntarily shared how they were recruited, the realities inside scam compounds and their path to rescue and recovery. Organizers said the platform was designed to amplify survivor voices while ensuring safety and dignity.

Gill Lever OBE, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Abuja, said the United Kingdom is working closely with Nigerian authorities and partners to ensure trauma-informed care and safe repatriation for affected nationals.

“We are here today to listen to survivors who have shown remarkable bravery in sharing their experiences,” she said. “Their courage will help prevent others from being harmed.”

Representing NAPTIP’s Director-General, Director of Public Enlightenment Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe described the testimonies as a stark reminder of the brutality of trafficking networks.

“The courage these survivors have shown is remarkable,” she said. “Their experiences expose the reality of trafficking into scam centers. NAPTIP remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens from this growing threat.”

One survivor said he had been promised a legitimate job and a better life, only to find himself trapped and forced into criminal activity under threat and intimidation.

“I am sharing my story so other Nigerians can recognize the warning signs,” he said. “No one should have to endure what we experienced.”

Authorities say the partnership underscores a broader international effort to disrupt trafficking syndicates operating scam centers and to strengthen prevention through public awareness, victim support and cross-border cooperation.