Nigerian govt forces sexual slavery victims back to Boko Haram husbands, US report alleges

The United States has accused Nigerian authorities of forcing victims of sexual exploitation and forced marriage to return to their Boko Haram husbands in Borno State.

According to the 2026 US Trafficking in Persons Report, as reported by Peoples Gazette, the practice allegedly occurs in demobilisation centres established for former insurgents.

“The government coerces victims of forced marriage, including trafficking victims, to return to their Boko Haram husbands in Borno State demobilisation centres,” the report stated.

The report accused Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa of abducting thousands of women and girls for sexual slavery, forced marriage and labour exploitation.

It also revealed that terrorist groups recruit children as young as 12 for combat, domestic work and espionage.

Criminal gangs were similarly accused of exploiting children through forced labour, kidnapping and sexual trafficking.

Despite these concerns, Nigeria retained its Tier 2 classification, reflecting increased government efforts against trafficking, including investigations, prosecutions and convictions.

Peoples Gazette reportedly contacted the presidency and Nigerian Army for comments.