Security forces in Senegal have dismantled a major transnational sex trafficking network operating between Nigeria, Benin, and Senegal.
The operation led to the rescue of ten Nigerian victims, many of them minors, who were forced to repay over 2 million CFA francs each to their trafficker.
The Regional Office of the National Division for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Related Practices (DNLT) in Kedougou, southeastern Senegal, arrested a woman suspected of leading the trafficking network, according to security sources.
The operation took place in the village of Kharakhena and resulted in the liberation of ten young Nigerian girls who had been subjected to sexual exploitation. Several of the victims are believed to be underage.
Authorities revealed that each victim was coerced into repaying 2 million CFA francs (approximately $3,000) to their exploiter, allegedly to cover the costs of their journey from Nigeria.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to having “purchased” each of the girls for 600,000 CFA francs (about $1,000) in Nigeria, before organising their transport to Senegal with the assistance of accomplices based in Nigeria and Benin.
Investigations uncovered a sophisticated transnational criminal network involving multiple intermediaries responsible for providing fake identity documents and facilitating the trafficking routes.
The suspect was brought before the public prosecutor at the High Court of Kédougou on July 30. The rescued victims have since been placed in a shelter where they are receiving care and support.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA