Criminals are exploiting the migration crisis to dramatically increase the trafficking of Nigerian women and girls into Europe – and many could end up being exploited in the United Kingdom, the independent anti-slavery commissioner has warned.
Kevin Hyland said Britain has a responsibility to act and called for an immediate response to the crisis before it worsens.
There are up to 13,000 victims of modern “slavery” in the UK, according to Government estimates with Nigeria consistently listed as one of the top countries of origin among victims identified, Mr. Hyland said.
Separate figures revealed that 5,633 Nigerian women and girls reached Italy by sea last year – nearly four times the level recorded in 2014.
Estimates suggested that close to four out of five people are trafficking victims who criminals planned to force into the sex industry across Europe.
He said: “Simply put, this is now one of world’s major human trafficking crises. It has been going on for a number of years, and a failure to act has allowed the criminals to take advantage of the current migration crisis.
“The rise in the numbers is staggering. Nigerian women and girls are enslaved and sexually exploited here in the UK. We must act now.”