Gym Goers Vulnerable To Sextortionists – NAPTIP

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned that gym goers, particularly women, are vulnerable to sextortionists and other relationship scams.

The agency’s spokesperson, Mr Adekoye Vincent, gave the warning yesterday during a press briefing by public relations officers of security agencies, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

He said traffickers are increasingly exploiting social relationships and the vulnerabilities of unsuspecting individuals, particularly women, to lure victims into their traps for scams.

According to him, one of the methods they use is to approach people in places such as gyms, recreational centres and other social environments.

He said, “They initially present themselves as service providers, offering assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities.

“Through these interactions, they establish familiarity and exchange telephone numbers with their potential victims.

“Once they obtain their contact details, they gradually become familiar with them, sometimes calling at odd hours and presenting themselves as dependable individuals who are always available to help.

“They may offer assistance when someone experiences difficulties, such as a vehicle breakdown, or suddenly appear with offers of help. These seemingly harmless gestures are often part of a deliberate strategy to gain the victim’s trust,” he said.
Vincent said another disturbing aspect is the use of fake job advertisements to lure unsuspecting Nigerians into trafficking networks.

“Some individuals, including job seekers, are deceived through fraudulent employment opportunities advertised online. We have recorded very disturbing cases involving people who travelled long distances in search of employment opportunities only to fall into the hands of traffickers.

“One particularly troubling case involved a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to a law chamber in Abuja but unfortunately fell into the wrong hands. I personally interacted with the victim, and the experience was deeply disturbing.

“Some of these cases also have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for victims, with some resulting in unwanted pregnancies,” Vincent stated.
He urged Nigerians to be extremely cautious when forming relationships online or accepting unsolicited offers of assistance and employment.

“People should avoid rushing into online friendships and should always verify the identities and intentions of individuals they meet, particularly those making attractive offers of jobs, financial assistance or other opportunities,” he said.

Giving updates on NAPTIP operations, he said the agency prosecuted and secured the convictions of 16 individuals for human trafficking and violence-related offences.
The agency also rescued and received 221 Nigerian trafficking victims through the airports in Abuja and Lagos.

He added that the agency’s enhanced surveillance at the Aminu Kano International Airport led to the interception of 65 potential trafficking victims who were being recruited for exploitation in the Middle East.

Vincent said that NAPTIP initiated a nationwide sweep targeting compromised medical facilities, successfully closing 16 suspicious health centres in Port Harcourt in collaboration with the Rivers State authorities.

The agency also recorded significant progress in the investigation of over 300 children allegedly trafficked from Benue and Nasarawa States by a suspect masquerading as a civil society leader.
According to him, the operatives recovered six additional children from the trafficker, raising the total number of rescued minors to 117, with the formal trial of the suspects ongoing in Makurdi.

“The agency raised urgent public awareness regarding a sharp rise in sextortion, rape and revenge porn across the country,” he added