Nigeria, Borno govt sent trafficking victims back to Boko Haram – U.S. report

Nigeria trafficking report accuses authorities of grave failures, including returning victims to Boko Haram husbands and traffickers

Nigeria trafficking report has delivered a stinging rebuke of the country’s efforts to combat human trafficking, revealing that both the federal and Borno State governments returned survivors to Boko Haram husbands and, in some cases, to their traffickers.

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The 2025 report by the US Department of State found that Nigeria failed to meet minimum international standards, leaving the nation stuck on Tier 2 of the global watchlist.

The Nigeria trafficking report criticised authorities for inadequate protection of women and children, especially those linked to armed groups, internally displaced persons and those forced into begging or domestic work.

According to the findings, insufficient screening meant some victims were wrongly detained or punished for offences committed under coercion. Shockingly, several women and girls were re-victimised when handed back to their abusers.

The report also highlighted corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary, describing it as a key driver of impunity.

Observers alleged that police, soldiers and government officials facilitated trafficking through bribery, while some security officers in Maiduguri exploited displaced persons, including children.

Although one Nigerian Immigration Service officer faced prosecution for sex trafficking, convictions remained rare.

A Civilian Joint Task Force member also had an unresolved case. In 2023, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons dismissed staff for collusion with traffickers, yet no prosecutions were reported.

The Nigeria trafficking report added that endemic judicial corruption hampered prosecutions and that lower courts, lacking proper training, sometimes mishandled cases.

It further noted that insecurity in northern Nigeria continued to obstruct effective law enforcement.

With shelters underfunded and support services described as “insufficient”, especially for men, the report warned that without urgent reforms Nigeria risks perpetuating cycles of abuse.

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It called for stronger accountability, better victim care and proper judicial oversight to restore trust and meet global standards.

Quadri Olaitan