THEY DECEIVED US’ — NIGERIAN GIRLS TRAFF!CKED TO IVORY COAST REVEAL HORR!FIC S£X SLAVERY ORDEAL, FORCED PROST!TUTION NETWORK EXPOSED

Fresh revelations have exposed a disturbing human trafficking network moving young Nigerian women into Côte d’Ivoire under false promises of legitimate jobs, only for many to end up trapped in prostitution rings and debt bondage.  

Several victims, aged between 16 and 23, recounted how they were lured from Nigeria with assurances of jobs as salesgirls, traders, or supermarket attendants before being forced into commercial sex work upon arrival in Ivory Coast.

One of the survivors, Esther, said she was recruited from Lagos with promises of a clothing business, only to discover that there was “nothing like that” after crossing the border. According to her, traffickers compelled her into prostitution and demanded daily remittances ranging from 10,000 to 26,000 CFA francs.  

Another victim, identified as Favour, revealed she was trafficked out of Nigeria at just 15 years old and forced to work under threats and harsh conditions to repay a debt of about two million CFA francs imposed by her handlers.  

Victims also described beatings, intimidation, seizure of phones, isolation, and psychological abuse after resisting demands from traffickers. Some disclosed they were stranded in foreign cities without documents, support systems, or means of escape.  

Human trafficking experts say the pattern reflects a broader criminal network operating across West Africa, where young Nigerian women are routinely deceived with fake employment opportunities before being transported into forced prostitution.  

Authorities and anti-trafficking advocates have repeatedly warned that Côte d’Ivoire remains a destination point for transnational trafficking involving women and girls from Nigeria and other West African countries.  

Despite the trauma, some victims admitted the financial returns initially appeared attractive compared to economic hardship back home, highlighting the desperation and poverty traffickers often exploit.  

Rescue efforts were reportedly coordinated by community leaders and support groups working with the Nigerian Embassy to secure the victims’ return to Nigeria.