52 Liberians Stranded in Nigeria

MONROVIA, September 7, 2026: Liberian nationals are increasingly falling victim to alleged cross-border human trafficking and scam operations, with more than 50 reportedly stranded in Nigeria and others facing similar problems in several African and Asian countries, according to an anti-trafficking organization.

Zokerseh B. Saye, Executive Director of the Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victim Support Initiative, said the organization has recorded more than 52 Liberians stranded in Nigeria after allegedly falling prey to trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes.

He said other Liberians have reportedly encountered trafficking and scam-related problems in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea, The Gambia and Cambodia.

According to Saye, young Liberians are particularly vulnerable to recruiters who advertise purported overseas jobs, scholarships, travel and sporting opportunities, only for some victims to become stranded or exploited after leaving the country.

“Some victims reportedly leave Liberia believing they have secured legitimate opportunities but later become stranded or exposed to exploitation,” he said.

Saye disclosed that the organization recently assisted in rescuing two Liberians from Sierra Leone following alleged trafficking and scam-related activities and facilitated their return home.

He said the organization also assisted a Nigerian national who was allegedly trafficked to Liberia after being promised an opportunity to travel to Canada.

Saye further disclosed that his organization contacted the Nigerian Immigration Service in Abuja after receiving information about suspected Liberian traffickers operating in Nigeria.

He claimed Nigerian authorities subsequently arrested suspected traffickers, with one individual reportedly remaining in immigration custody.

Saye called on the Liberian government to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to ensure that individuals suspected of involvement in trafficking are properly investigated and, where evidence warrants, prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He said the cases demonstrate the increasingly transnational nature of human trafficking and the need for greater cooperation among law enforcement agencies in countries where victims are recruited, transported or exploited.

Saye also cited what he described as a major trafficking case in Nigeria involving 57 victims. He claimed that eight individuals were convicted and sentenced in July as part of Nigerian authorities’ response to the case.

According to him, such prosecutions are critical to deterring trafficking networks and holding perpetrators accountable.

The anti-trafficking advocate also urged Liberians to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements and offers involving overseas employment, scholarships, travel arrangements and sporting opportunities.

He warned that desperation to travel abroad, coupled with failure to independently verify offers, could leave prospective travelers vulnerable to traffickers and scammers.

Saye said some prospective travelers avoid discussing opportunities with relatives or trusted individuals out of concern that others could interfere with their plans.

He encouraged Liberians to verify overseas opportunities before making payments, surrendering travel documents or leaving the country.

According to Saye, the organization operates a verification mechanism at its office on 14th Street in Monrovia, where members of the public can seek assistance in determining whether purported overseas opportunities are legitimate.

He also called on the Government of Liberia, law enforcement agencies, international organizations and civil society groups to strengthen cooperation in preventing trafficking, protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.

Saye said his organization continues to provide public awareness, case management, victim support and assistance with cross-border rescue and repatriation despite limited resources.

He appealed for additional financial and logistical support to expand the initiative’s operations, arguing that increased public awareness and early verification of overseas offers are essential to preventing more Liberians from falling victim to trafficking and scam networks.

Allegations against suspected traffickers remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and accused persons are presumed innocent unless convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.