Survivors recount how fake jobs led to sex trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire
Several Nigerians have shared their experiences of being deceived by traffickers with false job promises and forced into sex work in Côte d’Ivoire. Survivors including Monica, Juliet, Rejoice, Joy, and Monica Tamah described how their hopes for better opportunities turned into months of exploitation. The victims were rescued in a joint operation involving the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Côte d’Ivoire authorities, and the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation. Prosper Michael, founder of GAHTO, highlighted the need for vigilance and stronger collaboration to combat trafficking.
What happened
- Monica and other victims were lured with promises of lucrative jobs but ended up in captivity and forced into commercial sex work.
- The victims were closely monitored and instructed to mislead their families about their situation during phone calls.
- Monica Tamah said she spent about six months in captivity, being forced to sleep with up to 15 men daily and receiving little or no money.
- The rescue was carried out by a joint effort between Nigerian and Ivorian authorities, with support from the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation.
- Anti-trafficking advocates warn that economic hardship and fake recruitment offers continue to make young Nigerians vulnerable to trafficking.
