The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has arrested cultists in Abuja perpetrating gruesome acts of sextortion.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by NAPTIP spokesman Vincent Adekoye.

The statement said the arrests followed intense surveillance and undercover operations ordered by NAPTIP director-general Fatima Waziri-Azi, in response to several complaints.

NAPTIP added that the arrest was a breakthrough for the agency in its efforts to address issues of sextortion and nip it in the bud in Nigeria.

It explained that the group was known for perpetrating gruesome acts of sextortion and terrorising young girls, other Abuja residents, and its environs.

He recalled that the agency had recently been inundated with a series of complaints from victims of sextortion who had been blackmailed with a plea for assistance.

According to the anti-trafficking agency, sextortion is a crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute nudes and private videos of another person and when that person refuses to grant them sexual favours or pay them money.

It, however, said it was sexual exploitation where the perpetrator used coercion and threats to compel the victim to produce sexual images or videos engaging in sexual acts, revealing that the crime was punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (as reenacted).

“The shame, fear, and confusion victims feel when caught in this cycle often prevent them from asking for help or reporting the abuse,” said Ms Waziri-Azi.

She advised young girls to be wary of this trend and protect themselves by reporting cases of sextortion to NAPTIP.

“Do not be gaslighted into thinking it was your fault. It is a crime and a crime against you. Report all perpetrators. If you do not report, you are emboldening these criminals, and what happened to you will definitely happen to someone else,” the NAPTIP chief stated.

She added, “Parents, please support your children if they report cases of sextortion to you. Do not revile them. 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.”

The NAPTIP boss urged sextortion victims “not pay or share more of your sexual images with them” and warned that “your webcam or recording devices can be activated remotely.”

“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,” stated Ms Waziri-Azi. 

(NAN)