By Prosper Mene
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to young women to exercise caution when forming relationships through social media, citing a surge in digital exploitation cases.
The advisory, shared via a statement from the Ministry of Women Affairs, highlights growing concerns over online scams, harassment, and abuse targeting young women on dating platforms and social media.The government pointed to rising incidents of catfishing, financial scams, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images without permission as key risks associated with online relationships. “Young women are particularly vulnerable to predators who exploit trust built through digital platforms,” the statement read, urging users to verify identities and avoid sharing personal information with strangers online.
Officials noted that romance scams have increased significantly, with perpetrators often posing as romantic partners to manipulate victims into sending money or explicit content. The warning comes as reports of young women facing emotional and financial harm after engaging with unverified individuals online.The Ministry emphasized the importance of digital literacy and encouraged young women to seek guidance from trusted adults when navigating online relationships. “The internet can be a dangerous space if not approached with caution,” the statement added, advising users to report suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.The government has pledged to collaborate with tech companies to enhance online safety measures and raise awareness about the risks of unverified digital interactions. Women’s advocacy groups have amplified the call, urging social media platforms to strengthen protections against online abuse.For more information on staying safe online, the Ministry directs citizens to resources available at www.onlinesafety.gov.ng.[(https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1951013364420747338) (http://www.onlinesafety.gov.ng.[(https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1951013364420747338
