The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned that gym-goers, particularly women, are increasingly vulnerable to sextortion, relationship scams, and human trafficking.
The NAPTIP Public Relations Officer, Vincent Adekoye, gave the warning during a briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Adekoye said traffickers were exploiting social relationships and the trust of unsuspecting individuals to lure them into criminal networks.
Adekoye said traffickers often approached potential victims at gyms, recreational centres and other social environments, initially presenting themselves as helpful service providers.
He disclosed that they offered assistance with domestic needs, shopping, sourcing goods and other everyday activities to establish familiarity and obtain victims’ telephone numbers.
The NAPTIP spokesman said: “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.”
Adekoye identified fraudulent online job advertisements as another method traffickers used to lure unsuspecting Nigerians.
Adekoye said some job seekers travelled long distances in search of employment but ended up in the hands of traffickers.
He cited the case of a lawyer who travelled from Benue State to Abuja for an alleged job opportunity at a law chamber but became a trafficking victim.
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The NAPTIP spokesperson added that some trafficking cases had devastating emotional and psychological consequences, including unwanted pregnancies.
“I personally interacted with the victim, and the experience was deeply disturbing,” he said.
Adekoye urged Nigerians to exercise caution when forming online relationships 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 advised.
Providing updates on the agency’s operations, Adekoye said NAPTIP had secured the convictions of 16 persons for human trafficking and related offences.
He added that the agency had also rescued and received 221 Nigerian trafficking victims through the international airports in Abuja and Lagos State.
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