Four trafficked Nigerian women rescued from pr0stitution ring in Mali

Four women from Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, together with a 14-year-old minor, have been rescued from human traffickers in Morila, Mali, following a joint intervention by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

According to an announcement issued on Monday, November 2, 2026 by GAHTO founder, Prosper Michael, the victims had been lured to Mali with guarantees of jobs in gold mining and retailers however had been pressured into pr0stitution.

The assertion added that their rescue adopted a misery message despatched by one of many women via WhatsApp after utilizing synthetic intelligence to hunt assist.

According to Michael, the rescue adopted a misery alert obtained by Geoffrey, Head of Operations at NAPTIP’s Uyo Command, who subsequently contacted him for help.

Michael stated he contacted one of many victims and labored with a Nigerian neighborhood chief in Mali to facilitate their secure return.

GAHTO stated one of many victims, Sekinat, an auxiliary nurse, stated her mom’s pal had promised her a reliable job.

“I started the journey on October 14 and got there on October 19. When I got there, she collected my phone and ID cards. She later told me that the work they do here is pr0stitution. I thought it was a joke,” the 23-year-old said.

Sekinat said the trafficker threatened to sell or unalive girls who refused to engage in pr0stitution.

She also alleged that the trafficker collected CFA2.5m to facilitate their journey to Mali but instructed them to tell the embassy that she spent CFA1.5m on bringing them into the country.

She explained that the victims eventually obtained a hidden phone and used AI on WhatsApp to find help after an initial attempt to contact a Nigerian Army officer failed.

“We sent him our pictures, our madam’s number and her name and the name of the area. We were four in number,” she said.

Geoffrey said the victim’s message read, “I am a Nigerian girl, trapped in Mali. My madam seized my passport and asked me to go and be doing hook-up. Please, our life is in danger.”

He said the girl explained that AI had provided his contact after she searched for assistance.

Geoffrey described the discovery that a 14-year-old was among the victims as disturbing, adding that people cried during her interview.

“How can he ship a toddler of 14 years? Irrespective of the work she desires to go and do there, it’s abuse. It is youngster abuse,” he stated, referring to the minor’s father, who reportedly authorised her journey.

Michael described human trafficking overseas as alarming, saying, “Our people are crying for rescue every day and we must be there for them.”

The rescue staff referred to as on Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the state authorities to supply medical care, counselling and academic help for the survivors.

They additionally urged authorities to research the alleged trafficking community and prosecute these accountable.

The assertion added that the 4 women are presently present process care and rehabilitation.