The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in partnership with the British High Commission Abuja, recently convened a landmark survivor‑centred event highlighting the emerging global crisis of human trafficking into cyber‑enabled scam operations in Southeast Asia.
The event, “Confronting the Global Scam Centre Crisis: Perspectives of Nigerian Survivors,” brought together recently repatriated Nigerian nationals who were deceived with fraudulent job offers and trafficked to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Many were coerced into conducting sophisticated cyber‑fraud schemes under exploitative and abusive conditions.
The programme follows the successful joint efforts of NAPTIP, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, and the British NGO EDEN, whose coordinated action, including on‑the‑ground triangulation at the Thai–Myanmar border and welfare visits to affected nationals in Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Centre (IDC), enabled the safe rescue and return of 23 Nigerian survivors earlier this month.
According to the UN OHCHR’s 2026 report “A Wicked Problem”, credible sources estimate that at least 120,000 people are currently being held in forced scam operations inside Myanmar, with the total rising to over 300,000 across Southeast Asia.
Trafficking Survivors identified in the report originate from at least 66 countries. Between 2020 and 2025, 74% of known victims trafficked into scam centres worldwide were taken to Southeast Asia after being promised high‑paying jobs.
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Today’s event provided a protected platform for survivors to voluntarily describe in their own words how they were recruited, the coercive conditions inside scam compounds, and their journeys toward safety and recovery.
Gill Lever OBE, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Abuja, said:
“We are here today to listen to survivors who have shown remarkable bravery in sharing their experiences. The UK is working closely with NAPTIP, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EDEN and IOM to ensure survivors receive trauma‑informed care and safe repatriation. Their courage will help prevent others from being harmed, and we stand firmly with Nigeria and all African Commonwealth partners in confronting this rapidly evolving threat.”
Representing, Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs Kehinde Akomolafe, director of Public Enlightenment said:
“The courage these survivors have shown in sharing their stories is remarkable. Their experiences expose the brutal reality of trafficking into scam centres, a crime that strips people of their dignity and freedom. NAPTIP is committed to protecting Nigerian citizens from this growing threat and grateful for the steadfast support from our partners in ensuring survivors receive the comprehensive support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”
One of the survivors, said:
“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. I am sharing my story so that other Nigerians can recognise the warning signs and protect themselves. No one should have to endure what we experienced.”
