The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has helped 4,877 Nigerian victims of human trafficking return home since 2017, as revealed in a recent report. Through the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme, 88 percent of the returnees were women and girls, totaling 4,261, while men made up the remaining 13 percent, or 616 individuals.
Most of the returnees were between the ages of 18 and 39, with those aged 18 to 25 being the most vulnerable to traffickers. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the IOM assisted 167 Nigerian victims, 81 percent of whom were female. This trend of predominantly female victims is not new. In 2022, there were 908 identified female victims compared to 166 male victims.
Economic instability is the primary driver of irregular migration, with 94 percent of victims seeking better economic opportunities. A small percentage sought specific job opportunities (2 percent), to escape adverse family situations (1 percent), or had other reasons like education, family reunification, and escaping violence (3 percent).
The intended destinations for many victims were Italy, Libya, and Mali, which together accounted for nearly 60 percent of all returns. Italy was the destination for 26 percent of the returnees, while Libya and Mali also saw significant numbers. Libya, in particular, has been a major point of exploitation, accounting for 53 percent of abuse cases, followed by Mali with 29 percent. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has become notorious for human trafficking, with numerous reports of slave trade and extortion.
Traffickers use various methods to control their victims, including physical and psychological abuse, deception, threats, and withholding wages. Forced labor and sexual exploitation are common forms of abuse faced by the victims. Despite these challenges, the IOM has been working with governmental and non-governmental organizations to support the reintegration of victims. So far, 3,122 returnees (64 percent) have successfully reintegrated into their communities, receiving assistance such as medical care and vocational training to help them achieve economic independence and resilience.
However, many returnees struggle with the uncertainty of their future and their place within the community, often feeling regret and stress over unmet expectations.