NAPTIP Arrests ‘Sextortionists’ In FCT

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested members of a notorious sextortion syndicate after intense surveillance and undercover operation ordered by the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi.

A statement issued by NAPTIP’s press officer, Vincent Adekoye, on Wednesday disclosed that the agency received series of complaints from victims of sextortion who were being blackmailed.

The perpetrators indulged in gruesome acts of sexual exploitation by threatening to distribute obscene images and videos of people who refuse to grant them sexual favours or money thereby terrorising young girls and other residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and environs.

Sextortion/Sexual Exploitation is punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (as-enacted).

The statement said Prof. Waziri-Azi expressed concerns about the rising cases of sextortion mostly perpetrated by young men against young girls within the FCT.

“If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, you can help stop the harassment by reporting it to NAPTIP. Save all your conversations, chats or messages between yourself and the perpetrator.

“Do not pay or share more of your sexual images with them. Your webcam or recording devices can be activated remotely. As such, never have your phone or other electronic camera devices pointed at you while undressing or in a position, you would not want to share with the world. Be smart and stay safe,” Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi was quoted as saying.