The Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organization (GAHTO) has raised serious concerns over the alarming rise in human trafficking, as disturbing survivor accounts reveal the depth of exploitation faced by Nigerian victims trafficked across Africa.
P.M.EXPRESS reports the GAHTO Founder, Prosper K. A. Michael, expressed deep emotional concern over what he described as one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises globally.
He emphasized that human trafficking remains a grave crime against humanity, driven by organized networks that exploit vulnerable individuals through deception, coercion, and false promises.
Survivors Speak: Deceived and Exploited
In a chilling account, three young Nigerian women—Abibat (17), Boluwatife (20), and Zainab (22)—shared how they were lured with promises of legitimate jobs in Malaysia, only to be trafficked to Mali and other African countries for forced prostitution.
Recruited by a suspected agent, identified as Peter Osas, the victims were instructed to comply with any questioning and reassured through a staged video call with a woman known as “Angel”. Their journey began on 17th February, 2026, moving from Lagos through the Seme border into Cotonou, Benin Republic, and across multiple undocumented routes.
Upon arrival in a remote Malian settlement identified as Jabani, the victims realized the deception. They were renamed, placed under strict surveillance, and forced into sexual exploitation under a debt bondage system of approximately 1.2 million CFA francs each.
The victims described harsh conditions, including physical abuse, illness, restricted communication, and constant pressure to meet daily financial targets. Alarmingly, they reported the presence of underage girls—some as young as 13—facing similar exploitation.
Their eventual rescue was made possible through coordinated efforts by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and GAHTO, following re-established contact with their families.
A Widespread and Growing Crisis
Michael highlighted that trafficking is not limited to one region, noting that Nigerian victims are frequently trafficked to countries such as Egypt, Libya, Iraq, and other West African countries.
He explained that victims are often stripped of their freedom, with documents confiscated and movements restricted, effectively reducing them to modern-day slavery. While women are predominantly subjected to sexual exploitation, many men are trafficked for forced labour under false employment offers.
“Every victim represents lost potential,” he stated. “These are individuals who could have contributed to national development if given the opportunity.”
Root Causes and National Impact
According to GAHTO, poverty and economic hardship remain major drivers of human trafficking in Nigeria. Many young people, desperate for better living conditions, fall prey to traffickers promising opportunities abroad.
Michael stressed that the impact extends beyond individuals, affecting national growth and productivity, as victims are denied education, skills development, and economic participation.
Urgent Call for Evacuation and Support
The organization also raised urgent concerns about Nigerian victims currently trapped in Egypt under exploitative labour conditions. Many are reportedly too weak to work and unable to return home due to strict residency permit requirements and lack of funds.
GAHTO is calling for immediate evacuation efforts to rescue these individuals.
Rehabilitation and Future Prevention
To address the crisis, GAHTO has proposed the establishment of vocational training centers aimed at rehabilitating survivors. These centers would provide practical skills such as tailoring, baking, hairdressing, welding, and furniture making, alongside temporary shelter and reintegration support.
However, funding remains a major challenge.
“Rescue, rehabilitation, and empowerment all require significant resources,” Michael noted. “Without support, our efforts are limited.”
A Call to Action
GAHTO has appealed to the Nigerian government, international organizations, and private individuals to collaborate in combating human trafficking. The organization emphasized that collective action is essential to dismantle trafficking networks and prevent further victimization.
Survivors have also urged young Nigerians to be cautious of overseas job offers that seem too good to be true, warning that deception remains a primary tactic used by traffickers.
Contact Information
Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organization (GAHTO)
Phone: +2348050503535