Abstract
This study assessed human trafficking in Nigeria with focus on patterns of exploitation, legal
controls and obstacles to victim protection. A doctrinal research design was adopted through
examination of domestic legislation and international instruments on trafficking and child
protection. The analysis reviewed the 1999 Constitution, the Child Rights Act 2003, the
Immigration Act 2015 and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and
Administration Act 2015, together with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish
Trafficking in Persons. Trafficking was examined through its elements of recruitment,
transportation, transfer and harbouring by means of force, deception or abuse of vulnerability
for purposes such as sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, organ removal and
forced criminal activity. National enforcement data showed internal and transnational
dimensions such as child domestic labour, sexual exploitation, illegal sale of persons, forced
labour and grievous harm. Review of enforcement revealed weak prosecution rates, light
sentencing in some instances, absence of a formal witness protection scheme, evidentiary limits
affecting electronic and cross-border testimony, rivalry among enforcement bodies, corruption
and resource shortages. Victim cooperation remained constrained by fear of reprisals, stigma
and language barriers, while shelters and rehabilitation facilities faced funding gaps. The
study recommended amendment of existing legislation to strengthen penalties and evidentiary
provisions, establishment of a statutory witness protection programme, improved coordination
among enforcement agencies, sustained funding for shelters and legal aid and expansion of
public education, poverty reduction and vocational support initiatives to reduce vulnerability
to recruitment and exploitation.