Four Nigerian girls from Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, including a 14-year-old minor, have been rescued from an alleged human trafficking network in Morila, Mali, after being deceived with promises of legitimate employment.
The victims were reportedly lured abroad with offers of jobs in gold mining and shops but were allegedly forced into prostitution upon arrival.
Their rescue followed an emergency message sent by one of the girls through WhatsApp after she used artificial intelligence (AI) to seek help.
The intervention was coordinated by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO) in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
One of the survivors, a 23-year-old auxiliary nurse identified as Sekinat, recounted how she was deceived by a friend of her mother who promised her a legitimate job in Mali.
According to her, she left Nigeria on October 14 and arrived in Mali on October 19. Upon arrival, the woman allegedly seized her phone and identity documents before informing her that the actual job involved prostitution.
Sekinat said the alleged trafficker threatened to sell or kill any girl who refused to comply with her demands.
The victims eventually obtained access to a hidden phone and used AI on WhatsApp to find assistance after an earlier attempt to contact a Nigerian Army officer proved unsuccessful.
Through the technology, they reportedly obtained contact details that helped them reach a NAPTIP official, who subsequently contacted GAHTO founder Prosper Michael to coordinate the rescue.
The girls provided information about their location and the woman allegedly holding them, enabling the intervention team to facilitate their safe return.
The discovery that one of the victims was only 14 years old further heightened concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable children. A NAPTIP official described the case as child abuse and expressed concern over the circumstances that led to the minor’s journey abroad.
Following their rescue, calls have been made to Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Kogi State Government to support the survivors with medical care, trauma counselling, education and rehabilitation.
The rescue team also urged authorities to investigate the alleged trafficking network and prosecute anyone found responsible.
The four girls are currently receiving care and undergoing rehabilitation.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with fraudulent overseas job offers and the growing use of technology to seek help in emergencies.
Prospective travellers have been advised to verify foreign employment offers through credible channels and avoid surrendering their identity documents to unverified recruiters.
