Sex trafficking or sexual slavery is the use of humans for sexual exploitation. 10 years to life imprisonment has a penalty for trafficking offenders under Trafficking in Persons Law Enforcement and Administration Act amended in 2005 and eventually re-enacted in 2015 by the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
In Niger’s capital Niamey, policemen rescued a total number of 232 women and children who have been victims of horrifying sexual slavery and labour. As gathered, girls younger than the age of them were among the victims and also as much as 46 children that were taken to hotels and slums for sex works.
The global police association who rendered assistance to see to the success of “Operation Sarraounia” made it known that towards the end of January, for more than 10 days, 100 policemen were out raiding. The police also arrested 18 suspected traffickers in the process of the raid.
Amongst the victims are also 180 men from Ghana that were illegally coerced, forced and enslaved for forced labour. Niger is an easy point for human trafficking as migrants pass through it frequently en route to Western Europe and even North Africa. After Niger cracked down on Migration 4 years ago, the risk of exploitation for migrants are increased, they are even forced to move secretly.
Interpol’s executive director of police services aired his sadness over this sad issue. He said it’s already bad that people transport illicit goods, but it’s more terrible than people, humans with jobs, dreams and family are being forced into forced labour and also used for sex slavery.
Most of the kids taken are from Niger, and they are made to roam streets begging for alms. Last year, Niger trained more law enforcement officers and also increased trafficking convictions.
Although the United State stated that it did not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, it, however, it earned Niger a higher spot in the annual report of the United States’ closely watched Trafficking in Persons (TIP).