NAPTIP Bayelsa Warns Against Fake Job Scams on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026
By Ebis Freeman, YENAGOA – NAPTIP Bayelsa World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026 took centre stage on Thursday as the Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with a strong warning against fake job scams used by traffickers to exploit vulnerable Nigerians.
The event commenced with a road walk from the Federal Secretariat, Oxbow Lake, to Ekeki Motor Park, where officials and stakeholders sensitised members of the public on the dangers of human trafficking and deceptive recruitment schemes.
Speaking through the awareness campaign, NAPTIP stressed that organised criminal groups continue to advertise fraudulent employment opportunities to lure unsuspecting youths into forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. The agency urged Nigerians to verify job offers and overseas travel opportunities before accepting them.
This year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” highlights the growing trend of traffickers using fake promises of employment, education and better living conditions to deceive victims.
The campaign attracted wide participation from security agencies, civil society organisations, educational institutions and development partners. Those in attendance included representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), 4S Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, New Horizon Rehabilitation Home, Voice of Ijaw Girls, National Human Rights Commission, Committee for the Support of the Dignity of Women (CCCRN), Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Renewed Hope Initiative, Migrants and Refugees Unit, Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, DO Foundation, Isaac Jasper Boro Secondary School and Government Science and Technology College, Swali.
NAPTIP called on parents, teachers, community leaders and the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious recruitment activities to relevant authorities. The agency noted that increased public awareness, stronger collaboration among stakeholders and community participation are essential to preventing human trafficking.
The Bayelsa State Command reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community-based groups to protect vulnerable persons, rescue victims and ensure that traffickers are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
