The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has apprehended at least 115 suspected human traffickers and rescued 75 victims across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers states. Emmanuel Awhen, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, revealed this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Uyo on Tuesday.
The zone, encompassing Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers states, saw significant anti-trafficking efforts between July 2023 and now, resulting in the arrests and rescues. Of the 75 victims rescued, 25 have been empowered with skills in tailoring, hairdressing, barbering, and shoe making. These victims have received counseling, empowerment, and have been reunited with their families.
Awhen reported that NAPTIP has charged 15 cases to court, securing three convictions while 12 cases remain pending. He urged judges to prioritize human trafficking cases to deter future traffickers.
He highlighted that coastal communities in the zone are hotspots for human trafficking, with numerous victims rescued from these areas. Awhen appealed for public support in combating human trafficking, emphasizing that NAPTIP and the Federal Government cannot fight this crime alone. He mentioned financial constraints affecting robust sensitization campaigns and the high cost of feeding victims.
Awhen advised parents and guardians to be cautious and not allow family members to deceive them into sending their children away under false pretenses of training or employment, as these children often end up in child labor or prostitution. He warned traffickers to desist, stressing that the full weight of the law would be applied to those found guilty.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on July 30, carries the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” this year. Awhen emphasized the urgent need to end child trafficking, noting that children constitute a significant proportion of trafficked victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.
