NAPTIP Urges Ogun Border Communities to Fight Human Trafficking

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has urged residents of border communities in Ogun State to collaborate with authorities in the fight against human trafficking and violence against persons.

The Ogun State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs Bose Jimoh, made the call on Friday during a two-day town hall meeting and community engagement held in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area.

The meeting was organised in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and attended by traditional and religious leaders, community development committees, youth groups, market women, transport workers, security agencies and other stakeholders.

Jimoh said the engagement was aimed at equipping community members with information to identify and report suspected cases of trafficking.

She warned that traffickers were adopting new methods to exploit victims, including sexual exploitation, organ harvesting, sextortion and child trafficking.

She also cautioned Nigerians against online recruitment offers and attractive promises that could be used by traffickers to lure victims.

Jimoh said Idiroko was particularly important because of its position along an international border through which trafficking victims could be moved in and out of the country. She urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.

The Project Officer of ICMPD and coordinator of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project, Samuel Okoroji, said the initiative was designed to sensitise border communities because of their vulnerability to trafficking.

He said the programme also sought to strengthen community participation in the prevention, reporting, referral, arrest and prosecution of trafficking and violence-related cases.

At the end of the meeting, the 102 participants resolved to intensify awareness campaigns in religious centres, schools, markets and other public spaces.

They also pledged to discourage harmful cultural and religious practices that could contribute to trafficking and violence, while strengthening community surveillance along transit routes and reporting suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.