The United States has raised concerns over human trafficking in Nigeria, citing alleged official complicity, inadequate victim protection, and failure to prosecute government employees suspected of involvement in trafficking crimes.
The concerns were detailed in the 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
The report retained Nigeria on Tier 2, meaning the country does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.
It also listed Nigeria among 14 countries identified under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act for the recruitment or use of child soldiers. The report said Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province continued to recruit and use children, including those as young as 12, in combat and support roles.
The US further raised concerns about “baby factories,” where women are allegedly held against their will, sexually abused, and forced to give birth to children who are subsequently sold. It also highlighted forced labor, child exploitation, and weaknesses in labor protections.
On victim support, the report said 675 trafficking victims received assistance in 2025, down from 2,058 the previous year, while services for male victims remained limited.
However, it acknowledged progress in law enforcement. Nigerian authorities investigated 1,341 trafficking cases involving 1,367 suspects, prosecuted 94 suspects, and secured 97 convictions in 2025, compared with 744 investigations and 49 convictions in 2024.
The report said the government also increased funding for victim support and prevention programs but urged stronger accountability for complicit officials and improved protection for trafficking survivors.
