NAPTIP Rescues 64 Children and Adults from Trafficking in Ebonyi

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Ebonyi State has rescued over 64 victims of human trafficking from 2022 to 2026.

The state Commander, Offor Berther, shared this news on Friday while talking to reporters about the command's achievements since it started.

Mrs Offor mentioned that those rescued included both children and adults who were trafficked to Ghana, Libya, and other areas within Nigeria.

She said the command has arrested more than 90 suspects linked to various human trafficking and related crimes.

Also, she noted that around 74 cases have been investigated, with eight still in court.

Public Awareness Efforts

Mrs Offor revealed that the agency has increased public awareness campaigns, reaching out with anti-human trafficking programs to 64 schools in the state.

“Anti-trafficking vanguard and brigade groups have also been set up in 19 schools to teach students about the dangers of trafficking and encourage them to be vigilant.

“NAPTIP has created watchdog groups in 24 communities across the state to boost local efforts aimed at preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals,” Mrs Offor said.

She urged the public to report any suspected trafficking cases to the agency.

Call for Support

Mrs Offor asked landlords and their associations in Ebonyi to require prospective tenants to provide their BVN, NIN, and workplace ID cards. She believes this will help reduce human trafficking.

She explained that this measure would help track people who might rent homes, abduct children from the neighborhood after a few days, and vanish without a trace.

She also called on the Ebonyi State Government, businesses, and philanthropists to help the command with utility vehicles.

Providing shelter for rescued victims, she said, would improve their operations and the care offered to trafficking survivors.

Lastly, Mrs Offor advised parents and caregivers to take their responsibilities seriously towards their children and wards.