NAPTIP operatives apprehend sextortion gang in Abuja
Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have rounded up a sextortion gang terrorizing young ladies and other residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
NAPTIP in a statement issued on Tuesday explained that sextortion is a crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute nudes and private videos of another person when that person refuses to grant them sexual favour or pay them money.
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The agency further explained that the act is punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (as re-enacted).
NAPTIP Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, noted that NAPTIP operatives bursted the gang following surveillance and undercover operation that was ordered by the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, in response to several complaints by victims and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the development at the NAPTIP headquarters, Abuja, Professor Waziri-Azi, expressed grave concerns about the incremental cases of sextortion perpetrated by mostly young men against young girls within the FCT and called for increased vigilance among parents and stakeholders.
She said: “After the criminals might have successfully collected videos or pictures of their target, they would threaten to publish the content or unleash violence in order to get the victim to produce more images. As a result, the shame, fear, and confusion victims feel when caught in this cycle often prevent them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.”
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, thus advised young ladies to be aware of the new trend and protect themselves by promptly reporting all cases of sextortion to NAPTIP.
“Do not be afraid to speak up. Do not be gaslighted into thinking it was your fault. It is a crime against you. So, report all perpetrators for prosecution. Not reporting them emboldens the criminals, and what happened to you will definitely happen to someone else.”
She urged parents to listen and support their children if they report such cases of sextortion to them. “Do not criticize them abusively. A lapse in judgment should not lead to condemnation.
“If you or someone you know is a sextortion victim, you can help stop the harassment by reporting it to NAPTIP. Save all conversations, chats, or messages between yourself and the perpetrator.
“Do not pay or share 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, advised.
