A U.S. Department of State report has accused the Nigerian and Borno State governments of returning trafficking victims to Boko Haram husbands and traffickers, citing corruption, poor screening, and inadequate protections.
A 2025 U.S. Department of State report on trafficking in persons has revealed grave lapses in Nigeria’s handling of trafficking victims, including cases where women were returned to Boko Haram husbands and other traffickers.
The report said Nigeria failed to meet minimum standards in several key areas, keeping the country on the Tier 2 watchlist. It noted, “Efforts to identify and protect trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, especially women and children allegedly associated with non-state armed groups, IDPs, and children exploited in begging and domestic work, were inadequate.”
Due to poor screening, the report said, “federal and Borno State governments did not take effective measures to prevent the re-victimization or inappropriate penalization of potential victims… In some cases, authorities detained or returned victims to their Boko Haram husbands and traffickers.”
The report further highlighted systemic corruption, with law enforcement and judicial officers accused of complicity in trafficking crimes, accepting bribes, and obstructing justice. It also documented cases of security officers sexually exploiting internally displaced persons in Maiduguri.
“The quantity and quality of shelter services, especially for men, were insufficient,” the report added, stressing that weak prosecution, judicial corruption, and insecurity hinder Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts.
READ MORE AT SAHARA REPORTERS.