Investigation of Human Trafficking Routes and Victim Profiles in Edo State

Edo State has been identified as one of Nigeria's primary source states for international human trafficking, particularly the Libya-Italy route, and understanding the trafficking pathways, recruitment methods, and victim profiles is essential for prevention and prosecution efforts. This study investigated human trafficking routes, recruitment patterns, and victim profiles in Benin City, Ovia North-East, and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas, Edo State, South South Nigeria. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, with in-depth interviews conducted with 20 trafficking survivors or recovered victims through collaboration with NAPTIP and two NGOs, six law enforcement officers, and four social welfare workers. Thematic and narrative analysis was applied. Results identified three dominant trafficking routes: the Libya-Mediterranean-Italy corridor (55 percent of documented cases), the Lebanese-Middle East corridor (25 percent), and domestic trafficking for domestic servitude (20 percent). Recruitment predominantly occurred through romantic deception by family members or male acquaintances (magas) (55 percent) and false job offers (35 percent). Victim profiles showed a concentration of females aged 15 to 25 with incomplete secondary education from low-income households. Juju ritual obligations were used in 70 percent of international trafficking cases to enforce compliance. The study concludes that trafficking in Edo State is highly organised and exploits structural vulnerabilities. Recommendations include enhanced NAPTIP prosecution capacity, community anti-trafficking education, and economic empowerment targeting vulnerable female youth.

Keywords: human trafficking, victim profiles, Edo State, NAPTIP, organised crime