State government warns of growing cross-border trafficking networks as rescued victims recount alleged deception, abuse and exploitation, prompting renewed calls for stronger regional collaboration against human trafficking.
By Andrew Pol – July 6, 2026
JOS, Plateau State — The Plateau State Government has raised fresh concerns over the increasing incidence of human trafficking following the rescue and repatriation of three young Nigerian women who alleged they were deceived with promises of legitimate employment before being trafficked to Mali, where they were allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation.
The women were formally handed over on Sunday by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO) to officials of the Plateau State Liaison Office in Lagos for onward rehabilitation through the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission.
Officials described the case as another indication of the growing sophistication of trafficking syndicates targeting vulnerable Nigerians struggling with unemployment and economic hardship.
Victims Recount Alleged Ordeal
The rescued women—identified as Victoria (23) from Delta State and Joy (22) and Janet (23) from Plateau State—shared accounts of how they were allegedly recruited with promises of decent jobs abroad.
According to the women, they only discovered after arriving in Mali that they were allegedly expected to work in prostitution.
Their accounts have not been independently verified by A1NEWS International but form part of the ongoing anti-trafficking intervention coordinated by relevant authorities and partner organisations.
Victoria, an orphan and mother of a five-year-old girl, said she immediately rejected the alleged demands after discovering the true nature of the job.
“I was told there was a job, but nobody told me it was prostitution. I could not do it, so I asked to return,” she said.
She appealed for assistance to rebuild her life and establish a small business capable of supporting her daughter.
Promises of Employment Turn Into Alleged Exploitation
Another survivor, Joy, said she had been working as a domestic worker in Lagos before she was introduced to a man who allegedly promised her employment in a restaurant in Mali.
She claimed that shortly after arrival, she and another woman realised they had allegedly been recruited into a prostitution ring.
According to her, they refused to participate despite repeated threats.
Joy further alleged that their mobile phones and travel documents were confiscated while they were subjected to intimidation, physical abuse and food deprivation.
She said she eventually regained access to a telephone, contacted relatives in Nigeria and triggered the rescue process.
Janet narrated a similar experience, saying financial hardship influenced her decision to travel.
“I told them I would rather die than do prostitution. That was not why I travelled,” she recalled.
Government Links Rising Cases to Economic Hardship
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Gender Matters and Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, warned that worsening economic conditions are making many young Nigerians increasingly vulnerable to traffickers.
According to her, criminal networks frequently disguise themselves as recruitment agents, education consultants or employment facilitators to lure unsuspecting victims.
“As a Commission, we felt it was necessary to rise to the occasion to protect the human rights of our people, especially women and children,” Dazyam said.
She urged parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance before allowing children or young adults to travel with individuals whose identities and promises cannot be independently verified.
Parents Urged to Verify Overseas Opportunities
Dazyam warned that traffickers often exploit family poverty, unemployment and desperation by offering seemingly attractive opportunities abroad.
She stressed that many victims eventually become trapped in forced labour, sexual exploitation or other forms of abuse after arriving in foreign countries.
“We constantly educate our people that they should never hand over their children to strangers or unverified agents under the guise of offering opportunities,” she said.
According to her, the Commission has intensified awareness campaigns across Plateau communities aimed at preventing more young people from falling prey to traffickers.
Rescue Highlights Importance of Inter-Agency Collaboration
Founder of the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO), Prosper Michael, said the rescue operation began after the organisation received intelligence from a partner organisation in Jos regarding two Nigerian women allegedly trapped in Mali.
He explained that information provided by the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission enabled investigators to establish contact with the victims and coordinate their safe return.
“This rescue demonstrates what collaboration can achieve,” Michael said.
He warned, however, that many Nigerian girls are still believed to be trapped in exploitative conditions across parts of West Africa.
“We need stronger partnerships if we are to dismantle these trafficking networks and rescue more victims,” he added.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme Begins
Officials disclosed that the rescued women will receive comprehensive rehabilitation, including:
- Trauma counselling.
- Psychosocial support.
- Medical care where necessary.
- Skills acquisition.
- Economic empowerment programmes.
- Reintegration into their communities.
The Plateau State Government said the intervention is designed not only to help survivors recover emotionally but also to reduce the likelihood of re-trafficking.
Nigeria’s Continuing Fight Against Human Trafficking
Human trafficking remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent organised crimes.
Security agencies and anti-trafficking organisations have repeatedly warned that traffickers increasingly exploit unemployment, irregular migration and poverty to recruit victims.
Victims are often promised legitimate employment, educational opportunities or marriage abroad before allegedly being subjected to forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation or other forms of abuse.
Authorities continue to encourage members of the public to report suspicious recruitment activities to law enforcement agencies.
Investigation Into Trafficking Syndicates Continues
The Plateau State Government disclosed that efforts are ongoing to identify and prosecute individuals connected with the alleged trafficking operation.
Officials also pledged to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, civil society organisations, international development partners and anti-trafficking groups to disrupt criminal networks operating within and outside Nigeria.
No official details regarding arrests or prosecutions arising directly from this rescue operation had been announced as of the time of filing this report.
The rescue of three young Nigerian women from alleged sexual exploitation in Mali has once again exposed the devastating human cost of transnational human trafficking. While the survivors begin the difficult process of rehabilitation, authorities say the larger challenge lies in dismantling criminal networks that continue to prey on vulnerable citizens through deception and false promises. The Plateau State Government has pledged to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen collaboration with anti-trafficking agencies, insisting that prevention, prosecution and victim support must remain central to Nigeria’s response to one of the country’s most persistent human rights challenges.
Leave a Reply