By Esther Onyegbula

A Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organization, GAHTO, has raised the alarm over the plight of Nigerians trapped in labour exploitation in Egypt, calling for urgent government intervention to evacuate victims who are reportedly too weak to work and unable to return home due to financial and legal constraints.

Founder of GAHTO, Comrade Prosper K. A. Michael, made the appeal recently while addressing journalists, describing human trafficking as a fast-growing global criminal enterprise with devastating human consequences.

According to him, many Nigerian victims in Egypt are stranded due to the high cost of a $1,000 residency permit, which restricts their movement and prevents them from returning home.

“Presently, Nigerian victims of labour exploitation in Egypt need evacuation. Many of them are weak, cannot work, and do not have money to return. Their movement is restricted due to the residency permit requirement,” he said.

The GAHTO boss, who was visibly emotional during the briefing, lamented the increasing rate of human trafficking globally, noting that for every victim rescued, several others fall prey to traffickers daily.
He described human trafficking as a crime against humanity driven by well-organised networks of recruiters, transporters and exploiters who use deception, force and fraud to lure victims.

“The end result is always exploitation, either sexual or forced labour. Victims lose their freedom, their documents are seized, and they are reduced to modern-day slavery,” he said.

Michael attributed the rising cases of trafficking largely to poverty and economic hardship, which, he noted, make young people vulnerable to false promises of better opportunities abroad.
“In Nigeria today, many families struggle to meet basic needs. This makes young people easy targets for traffickers who promise greener pastures,” he added.

He further stressed that the menace undermines national development, as many victims who could have contributed meaningfully to the economy are instead trapped in exploitative conditions.

“Some of these victims should be in school or contributing to sectors like healthcare, engineering, agriculture and business. Every individual has a role to play in national development if given the opportunity,” he said.
Michael noted that trafficking affects both males and females, explaining that while women are often subjected to sexual exploitation, many young men are trafficked for forced labour under the guise of job offers.

He also disclosed that Nigerian victims are trafficked beyond West Africa to countries including Libya, Egypt and Iraq, despite ongoing efforts by relevant agencies and organisations to curb the trend.
To tackle the crisis, GAHTO, he said, plans to establish a vocational training centre to rehabilitate rescued victims and equip them with skills such as tailoring, baking, hairdressing, welding and furniture making.

He explained that the initiative would also provide temporary shelter and support reintegration into society, alongside sustained awareness campaigns across schools, religious centres and rural communities.
“The mission is only complete when victims are empowered to become self-reliant and reintegrated into society,” he said.

Michael, however, identified funding as a major challenge hindering the organisation’s operations, noting that rescue missions, transportation, feeding and rehabilitation require substantial financial resources.
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government, international organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support GAHTO’s efforts, particularly in the areas of victim evacuation, rehabilitation and prevention.

“Government cannot do it alone. We need collaboration to secure a better future for our youth and to combat this growing menace,” he said.
He reaffirmed GAHTO’s commitment to fighting human trafficking, expressing optimism that with increased support, more victims would be rescued and restored to dignity.