NAPTIP alert Nigerians on tricks used by cartels in human trafficking

…Secures conviction of 120 offenders in one and half years

…JIFORM pleads with Federal government to empower NAPTIP, urges the Media to focus on preventive reportage to curb the trend

In a bid to curb human trafficking in the country, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has secured 120 convictions between 2022 and June this year.

Similarly, 17, 753 people have been rescued from the den of traffickers out of which 13, 026 were female, 4,727 male and 8, 935 children.

These statistics came to the front burner at the opening of the three Day workshop on Training and Capacity Development Orientation on Standard Reporting Template for TIP Media Corps organised by NAPTIP in conjuction with FIAPP and A-TIPSON in Ikeja area of Lagos State.

The Director General of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Nazim-Azi represented by the Director of Training and Research, Mr Arinze Onakue

stressed the need for the judiciary to be decisive in handling the cases involving the cartels in the illegal trade of human trafficking.

She emphasised that their actions violates the rights of the victims adding the perpetrators capitalize on the desperation on the part people looking for greener pasture who eventually become victims.

She believes the trade of human trafficking will stop when the country is seen as home to and prefered place to all Nigerians.

According to her, the training is timely to feel the share the pains of the victims as well as challenges faced by security agencies.

The Lagos Zonal Commander of NAPTIP,  Mrs  Comfort Agboko said the role of the Media in winning the battle against human trafficking is crucial.

She insists that the Media must protect the identity of the victims while commending the crucial role they play in nation building.

The Team Lead for FIAPP/ATPSO Nigeria, Frederico Millan in his presentation saiid awareness is very important in showcasing the activities of all stakeholders in curbing the menace of human trafficking.

He however haroed on the need for collaboration between the agency and the media adding the job could be challenging but not insurmountable.

The NAPTIP Commander in Benin, Mr Nduka Nwanwene lamented that the menace of human trafficking had endangered the lives of many promising Nigerians.

He highlighted the need for the Federal government to accord attention to the Panemo Treaty signed with the aim of stamping out human trafficking around the world.

He listed Benin, Delta and Cross River states as those that are more endemic in the illegal trade.

While speaking at the workshop, President of JIFORM, Dr Abayomi Ajibola said the forum was to review various activities by the stakeholders.

The JIFORM President noted that the whole work must not be left alone to NAPTIP adding the Media should do it with passion to showcase their efforts to the people.

He expressed the need for the Media to do more on preventive stories on illegal migration and getting justice for the victims.

Dr Abayomi said the Media must engage in given discrete information to NAPTIP on perpetrators noting over $150bn exchanged hands annually among the cartels in the business of human trafficking.

In his recommendations, Abayomi called on the Federal Government to make NAPTIP financially buoyant and allow its personnel to carry arms to carry out their functions optimally.