The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Ebonyi State has rescued over 64 survivors of human trafficking between 2022 and 2026, according to the state commander, Offor Berther. She disclosed this on Friday while briefing reporters on the command's achievements since its establishment.
Rescue and Arrest Statistics
Mrs. Offor stated that the rescued persons included both children and adults who were trafficked to Ghana, Libya, and other parts of Nigeria. The command also arrested over 90 suspects in connection with various human trafficking and related offences. Furthermore, about 74 cases have been investigated, while eight are currently pending in courts.
Preventive Measures and Community Engagement
NAPTIP has intensified public enlightenment campaigns, taking anti-human trafficking sensitisation programmes to 64 schools in the state. Anti-trafficking vanguard and brigade groups have also been established in 19 schools to educate students on the dangers of trafficking and promote vigilance. Additionally, watchdog groups have been set up in 24 communities across the state to strengthen grassroots efforts aimed at preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons.
Call for Public Support
Mrs. Offor urged the public to report suspected trafficking to the agency. She appealed to landlords and landlords' associations in Ebonyi to make the submission of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN), and workplace ID cards mandatory requirements for prospective tenants to curb human trafficking. She argued that this measure would help track individuals who often rent houses, abduct neighbours' children after a few days, and disappear without leaving any trace.
She also appealed to the Ebonyi State Government, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to support the command with utility vehicles. Providing shelter for rescued victims would enhance operations and improve care for survivors of trafficking. Mrs. Offor admonished parents and caregivers to be more vigilant in their parental responsibilities to their children and wards.
