Survivors of human trafficking have shared how promises of jobs and a better life in Côte d’Ivoire turned into months of forced labour, prostitution and sexual exploitation.

The rescued Nigerians, including Monica, 17; Juliet, 18; Rejoice, 25; Joy, 22; and Monica, 38, said traffickers took advantage of their hopes for a better future by offering them fake jobs.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the founder of the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO), Prosper Michael, the victims were rescued in a joint operation involving the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and authorities in Côte d’Ivoire.

One of the victims, Monica, said she accepted what she believed was a bakery job in Abuja before she was taken through Lagos to Côte d’Ivoire.

“I informed my parents because I believed the offer was genuine. We later realised there were no jobs after we were locked in a room,” she said.

She said the victims were told to assure anyone who contacted them that they were safe, even though they were being forced to work.

“When I spoke to my mother, I started crying, and they immediately collected the phone from me. They kept deducting money from the little we earned without explaining why,” she said, adding that she and another victim later escaped with the help of local residents and contacted GAHTO.

Another survivor, Monica Tamah, said she travelled abroad hoping to support her family and pay for her daughter’s education, but was instead forced into prostitution.

“When we got there, we discovered there were no jobs. Instead, we were told we had been brought for prostitution and had to repay transportation debts through sex work,” she said, adding that she remained in captivity for about six months before she was rescued.

Monica said she and other victims were forced to sleep with as many as 15 men every day.

“They made about 50,000 CFA francs every day from us, but we received little or nothing. I remained there for about six months before I was rescued,” she said.

GAHTO said its representative in Côte d’Ivoire carried out the rescue with support from local authorities. It also disclosed that three other victims from Benue State were rescued in a separate operation.

The organisation described the rescue operations as a major step in its fight against human trafficking and its efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians across West Africa.

“We urge Nigerians to verify overseas employment and migration offers through appropriate government channels, remain vigilant against suspicious recruiters and promptly report suspected trafficking cases to law enforcement agencies.

“We also call for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies and international partners to dismantle trafficking networks, rescue victims and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement added. (Nigerian Tribune)