Human trafficking: a variant of the historic slave trade in contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

Human trafficking is as old as human existence and civilisation. It dates back to the time of old kingdoms where captivities of conquered empires were taking from into slavery and compelled to serve kings and princes of foreign kingdoms. This practice later changed to the sales of recalcitrant or sickly captives to other powerful kings that needed the services of slaves either as palace guards, farm workers, stewards, or in some cases as objects of sacrifice to appease the gods during a festival. Unfortunately, the ascendancy of this practice in contemporary times has now become a bane of challenge to the government, stakeholders and even security operatives as several youths (particularly teen girls) are been recruited as sex workers overseas, or used as ‘baby producers’ in what is popularly described as a ‘baby factory’ in Nigeria. This paper therefore examines some recent issues on kidnapping as well as factors responsible for this criminal act in Nigeria. Sequel to findings, this paper made some recommendations.

Keywords: Human trafficking, Human right, Sex workers, Slave trade, Smuggling of people