The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has made significant strides in combating human trafficking in the Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers states zones. Between July 2023 and the present, the agency has apprehended 115 suspected human traffickers and rescued 75 victims.
Out of the rescued victims, 25 have been empowered with skills in tailoring, hairdressing, barbing, and shoemaking. The agency has also charged 15 cases to court, securing three convictions, while 12 cases are still pending. NAPTIP has appealed to judges to give special attention to human trafficking cases to serve as a deterrent to other traffickers.
The zonal commander, Emmanuel Awhen, has highlighted the need for support and cooperation from all stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking. He has advised parents and guardians not to let their family members deceive them and take their children and wards on the pretext of helping to train or secure employment for them, as most often such children or wards end up being used for child labour or prostitution.
Awhen has also warned traffickers to desist from such acts, stressing that the full weight of the law will be applied to anyone found culpable. The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is marked on July 30, with this year’s theme urging accelerated action to end child trafficking.