As the world marks the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” the Founder of the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO), Prosper Kayode Michael, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, philanthropists, organisations and individuals to intensify the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, Africa and across the globe.
Speaking to commemorate the global awareness day, Michael expressed concern over the alarming increase in the trafficking of Nigerians to countries across West Africa, North Africa and the Middle East for sexual and labour exploitation.
The anti-human trafficking advocate lamented that despite years of awareness campaigns, many Nigerians continue to fall victim to traffickers who lure them with false promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to subject them to inhumane conditions.
According to him, many victims trafficked for sexual exploitation are confined in makeshift shelters and forced into prostitution until they repay debts reportedly amounting to about ₦4 million. Others trafficked for labour exploitation are allegedly compelled to work for more than two years before regaining their freedom.
He warned Nigerians to be wary of agents promising travel opportunities to Libya, Egypt and Iraq, as well as those facilitating movement to some West African countries for sexual exploitation.
Michael disclosed that since the beginning of 2026, GAHTO has rescued several victims from sexual exploitation in different countries, including Libya, Egypt and some West African nations.
He also raised concern over the plight of Nigerians allegedly trapped in a camp known as Oshofana in Libya, where victims are reportedly forced to contact their families to pay ransoms ranging from ₦2 million to ₦3 million before they can regain their freedom.
Speaking further, the GAHTO founder said many Nigerians stranded in Egypt and Iraq have become increasingly vulnerable, with many expressing a strong desire to return home but lacking the financial means to purchase return tickets.
According to him, many of the victims are left with no option but to appeal to relatives and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance, describing the situation as both heartbreaking and embarrassing.
He advised parents to pay closer attention to their children, especially young girls, by maintaining open and trusting relationships that would encourage them to speak up whenever anyone approaches them with offers of travelling abroad.
Michael also cautioned young men against fraudulent employment schemes, particularly those linked to QNET, alleging that many Nigerian youths have been trafficked to countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Senegal under the guise of job opportunities. He noted that some victims sold their businesses to finance the trips, only to end up stranded.
While acknowledging that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to migrate, he stressed the importance of following legal migration channels to avoid becoming victims of human trafficking in the pursuit of greener pastures.
The GAHTO founder noted that many victims are currently stranded abroad and desperately seeking assistance to return to Nigeria. He therefore called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners and well-meaning individuals to facilitate their rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Using this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons as a platform, Michael appealed to philanthropists, corporate organisations and relevant stakeholders to support GAHTO’s campaigns against human trafficking through public sensitisation, awareness creation, rescue operations, rehabilitation and empowerment of survivors.
He emphasised that rescue alone is not enough, stressing that sustainable empowerment programmes are essential to prevent survivors from falling victim to traffickers again.
“Our job is not complete if there is no empowerment after rescue,” he said. “Some rescued victims have been re-trafficked because of their vulnerability and lack of sustainable means of livelihood. They cannot rebuild their lives on promises alone; they need tangible support after rescue.”
Michael also commended the Plateau State Government and the Berom community for their continuous intervention and unwavering support for victims of human trafficking.
He expressed hope that other state governments would emulate Plateau State by responding promptly whenever called upon to assist in the rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of their citizens trapped in trafficking networks.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the Plateau State Government and the Berom community for their intervention and consistent support for victims of human trafficking. I sincerely hope other state governments will do the same whenever they are called upon to support the rescue and rehabilitation of their citizens,” he said.
He maintained that the fight against human trafficking requires collective responsibility, stressing that civil society organisations cannot tackle the menace alone.
“We cannot do it alone without the necessary support of the state governments where these victims come from. Their collaboration is critical to ensuring the successful rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration and protection of trafficking survivors.”
Michael reaffirmed GAHTO’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and called for greater collaboration among governments, security agencies, development partners and the public to eradicate human trafficking, dismantle trafficking networks and restore hope to survivors.
(The Sun)