The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday raised the alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa, which is increasingly targeting vulnerable young Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry, it was revealed that many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, especially in crypto-related operations.

The warning comes after the recent rescue of about 231 Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities in Accra, Ghana.

The victims were rescued and are currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra.

The government said, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.”

The Ministry therefore warned Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.

“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ebienfa further stated.

The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to strategic partnerships and collaborations aimed at enhancing economic growth through sustainable investments.

Also, the state government pledged its continued support for initiatives that drive socio-economic progress and youth empowerment.

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the Unity Schools Old Students Association led by its President-General, Michael Ibrahim Magaji, at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen.

The visit followed the successful conclusion of the 3rd USOSA Sports Festival hosted in the State, an initiative designed to promote unity, cultural legacy, and societal impact.

Ibas commended USOSA for choosing Rivers State as the host of the event, describing it as a testament to the state’s peaceful and investment-friendly environment.

He emphasised that the government remains committed to fostering collaborations that stimulate economic benefits while advancing education and sports as key drivers of youth development and social cohesion.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Government is open to partnerships and collaborations that enhance economic growth through enduring investments.

“We recognize that initiatives like the USOSA Sports Festival not only promote unity but also contribute to the socio-economic vitality of our State. We will continue to support such programs that harness youth potential, create opportunities, and reinforce our collective belief in a prosperous Nigeria.”

Ibas further highlighted the government’s prioritization of education and sports, noting their role in shaping a stable and progressive society.

He assured USOSA of the state’s willingness to consider interventions in unity schools within Rivers State, aligning with the administration’s broader agenda for human capital development.

In his remarks, USOSA President-General Michael Magaji expressed gratitude for the state’s hospitality and reiterated the association’s commitment to fostering national unity through education and sports.

He appealed for government support in rehabilitating facilities in unity schools across the state, a request the administrator pledged to review.

The Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology, has approved the appointment of AVM Osichinaka Ubadike, a serving officer, as Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the appointment was a landmark achievement for the NAF and a major boost to its research and development endeavours.

This, according to him, makes Ubadike the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.

“AVM Ubadike, an accomplished scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.

“He also possesses 3 other Masters degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), with a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree from NDA.

“He has led several cutting-edge research initiatives within the NAF, including his pivotal role in the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

“The UAV project demonstrates the Air Force’s expanding technical capabilities and strategic independence,” he said.

Ejodame said the AFIT Governing Council also confirmed the appointment of retired AVM Paul Jemitola, as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

He said that Prof. Jemitola, the immediate past Commandant of AFIT, was widely respected for his expertise in multidisciplinary and multi-objective aircraft design optimization.

“He holds a Master’s degree and PhD from Cranfield University and was the lead designer of the NAF UAV project.

“He is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom and currently serves as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos,” he added.

The NAF spokesman said the conferment of the professors was a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to prioritise technological advancement through education, capacity-building and R&D.

He quoted CAS as saying, “We will continue to invest in the empowerment of our flagship training and capacity development institutions to progressively minimise dependence on foreign expertise”.

Ejodame said the approach reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to academic excellence and R&D to cultivate homegrown expertise capable of meeting evolving national security and aerospace challenges.

NAN