The Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation has expressed renewed alarm over the increasing rate of human trafficking cases involving young women across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Monday, the organisation’s founder, Prosper Michael, highlighted the issue following the rescue of a 22-year-old physically challenged woman, Njoku Nnena, who had been trafficked to Mali.
Speaking on her experience, Nnena revealed that financial struggles and the responsibility of caring for her family influenced her decision to seek opportunities outside her home state.
She explained that her journey began in Onitsha before she relocated to Lagos, where she encountered individuals who eventually connected her with traffickers.
“I wanted to support my three-year-old son and help my mother. That was why I decided to travel.
“In Lagos, I was introduced to a woman around an underbridge. From there, arrangements were made for me to travel,” she said.
According to her account, she was transported through Cotonou in the Benin Republic and later taken to Mali, where she was handed over to another member of the trafficking network.
Nnena’s mother, Lora, also recounted the challenges the family has faced, noting that the situation led to the collapse of her marriage.
“My husband left, blaming me for her condition. Since then, I have been taking care of her alone while running a small business,” she said.
She further disclosed that the strain has taken a toll on her health, resulting in high blood pressure. She added that her daughter’s condition sometimes causes her to wander away from home.
“I didn’t even know she had travelled to Mali until GAHTO contacted me after rescuing her,” she added.
Now back in Nigeria, Nnena is seeking assistance to rebuild her life.
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“I want to go back to school or learn a skill so I can take care of myself. I also need medical treatment to manage my condition,” she said.
Her mother also appealed to authorities and concerned individuals for support.
“I am asking for help so my daughter can have a stable life again,” she said.
Reacting to the development, the organisation stated that the case reflects a wider and worrying trend of trafficking across West Africa, particularly among vulnerable young women facing economic and health-related challenges.
“This case is not isolated. It highlights a growing trend of trafficking in the region,” the organisation said.
GAHTO called on key stakeholders, including Chioma D. Uzodinma and Nkechinyere Ugwu, to take swift and coordinated action to address the issue.
It also stressed the importance of raising public awareness, strengthening preventive measures, and establishing sustainable rehabilitation programmes for victims.
“The situation underscores the urgent need for collective action to combat human trafficking and support victims in rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope,” the organisation added.
The group further urged government authorities to urgently implement support systems aimed at rehabilitating victims and preventing similar incidents in the future.