Nigerian Trafficking Survivors Share Côte d’Ivoire Ordeal

Survivors of human trafficking from Nigeria recounted their traumatic experiences after being lured to Côte d’Ivoire with false promises of jobs. The victims, including Monica (17), Juliet (18), Rejoice (25), Joy (22), and Monica Tamah (38), were exploited for forced labor and prostitution.

They were rescued in a joint operation by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. Monica described accepting a bakery job offer in Abuja, only to be taken to Côte d’Ivoire through Lagos, where they were locked in a room and forced to work under duress.

Another survivor, Monica Tamah, revealed she was coerced into prostitution to repay transportation debts. GAHTO reported that three additional victims from Benue State were rescued in a separate operation.

The organization emphasized the need for vigilance against suspicious recruitment practices and called for stronger collaboration among governments and security agencies to combat trafficking.