The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has started a manhunt for a criminal organization that is that is behind a growing blackmail scheme that involves naked images. This follows a report that reveals how the group has targeted young Nigerian women by employing threats and intimidation to extract cash from the women.
Many women shared their stories of how they were enticed into sending naked photos to individuals who claimed to provide models jobs online or jobs. After the photos were received, scammers would ask for money and threaten to post the pictures online if women didn’t comply.
NAPTIP immediately reacted to the public’s outcry has confirmed that it has launched an investigation in order to identify and detain the suspects. The agency stated that the group is active on social media platforms and uses fake accounts and foreign telephone numbers to conceal their identity.
One person claimed that she was approached for a modeling gig on Instagram. She was able to accept an interview in which she was told to remove her clothing. On the next morning, she was contacted with threats that the video was to be published in the event that she did not pay a significant amount of money.
A young woman told us that she received a message on WhatsApp after she had submitted her contact number in connection with a job opening. The person who was behind the call demanded that she send “personal photographs” within”the “requirements.” The woman later realized it was a scam after she began receiving emails requesting payments.
According to NAPTIP the new method is part of a wider scam that targets vulnerable individuals especially women who are looking for work. The agency warns that a majority frauds facilitated by syndicates and some are operating from outside Nigeria.
Director of NAPTIP confirmed that the organization is working with international and local tech experts to identify the suspects. He also confirmed that measures have been taken in order to safeguard the victims. He also advised anyone who was targeted to notify authorities immediately without trepidation.
He said that any kind of sexual blackmail or image-based harassment is a crime under Nigerian law and is punished.
Alongside the pursuit of criminals, NAPTIP is planning public awareness campaigns. The aim is to inform people on the importance of being safe online and to help them avoid getting into these traps. The agency also said the fact that they will never cease until the perpetrators are identified and charged with crimes.
Young people, particularly students and job seekers, are advised to remain vigilant and avoid sharing private images or videos online with strangers. NAPTIP also reminded the public they are able to report incidents in confidence.
The agency reiterated its commitment to end any form of trafficking, including online sexual abuse in Nigeria.
