Nigeria, UK In Joint Operation To Tackle Human Trafficking

The new crackdown, it was gathered, will build the evidence base and trial interventions to prevent modern slavery.

UK’s international development secretary, Priti Patel, who disclosed this yesterday said, “We will provide credible alternatives for women and girls in the high risk demographic and help diversify economic activity in Edo State – Nigeria’s trafficking hub – and other Niger Delta states.

“We will improve the essential support for victims, including counselling and reintegration assistance, to prevent vulnerable people being re-trafficked and falling back into a cycle of exploitation.   DFID will help Nigeria to step up ways of tackling modern slavery and act as Champions who will help us advocate for reform”.

IOM estimates that approximately 80% of girls arriving to Europe from Nigeria are potential victims of trafficking for exploitation, just as the number soared from 1,454 in 2014 to 11,009 in 2016.

Nigeria is the fourth largest source of human trafficking to the UK and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that approximately 80% of girls arriving to Europe from Nigeria are potential victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation.

During a joint visit to Nigeria alongside Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, Ms Patel raised the issue of trafficking at the highest levels in government and challenged the political and cultural acceptance of modern slavery, a trade which earns more for criminals around the world than any other, apart from the illegal drug trade.

She said, “It is shameful that in the 21st Century the evil crime of modern slavery lurks in every corner of the globe, including on the UK’s streets, destroying the lives of young men and women. We will not stand aside and ignore this barbaric and often invisible crime which all too often reaches our shores and is damaging for everyone except the perpetrators.

“The UK is a global leader in stamping out modern slavery, pressing the international community including the Nigerian Government to tackle this crime at source, bring perpetrators to justice and protect victims who have been subject to unimaginable horrors.

“Our support is offering vulnerable girls and women an alternative life to slavery and exploitation and helping them reintegrate into society, stopping vicious cycles of abuse and creating a more prosperous and secure future for thousands, as well as for us at home”.