No fewer than 615 trafficked persons were reportedly rescued in Katsina State between January to July 2022.
The state commander of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Musa Aliyu disclosed this to journalists at a joint press conference to mark the world day against trafficking in persons, in Katsina State. He said the agency traced their possible destinations to Libya, Sudan, Mali, Niger Republic, Germany, and Italy.
He said the command received the victims in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders from the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the civil society organisations (CSOs) operating in the state.
He urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be deceived by the so-called greener pastures which are most detrimental to their lives.
Aliyu said that this year’s theme for the world day against trafficking in persons is “Use and Abuse of Technology”
He lamented that most youths were lured with the intent to seek greener pastures.
The joint meeting was put together by the State’s Ministry of Women Affairs, the State Command of the NAPTIP as well as the State Command of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), traditional leaders, and civil society organisation. The stakeholders were also availed the opportunity to extensively discuss efforts to carry out sensitisation campaigns in schools, and religious places to reduce trafficking in persons.
The state commissioner for Women Affairs, Rabi’ah Muhammad Daura urged the media to intensify efforts in creating awareness among the general public on the hazards of human trafficking.
