Civil Defence, NAPTIP Intensify Efforts Against Human Trafficking

The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have strengthened collaboration to combat human trafficking in the state.

The State Commandants of both agencies, Chukwuemeka Odimba and Izunna Iwobi, disclosed this during a joint engagement at the NSCDC state headquarters in Umuahia.

In his remarks, Iwobi reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to ensuring the sanctity of human life and dignity through the effective implementation of its mandate across the state.

He commended the NSCDC, other security agencies, and members of the public for their support, noting that such cooperation had contributed significantly to the agency’s operational successes.

Iwobi said NAPTIP had been leveraging the NSCDC’s intelligence network to track and arrest suspected human trafficking kingpins, while calling for stronger collaboration going forward.

Responding, Odimba said although both agencies have distinct mandates, they share a common responsibility of protecting human life and dignity.

“We believe in effective synergy and collaboration because no agency can do it all alone. Everywhere the job of protection of lives and property is needed, count us as dependable partners,” he said.

He also highlighted the establishment of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration Unit by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, describing it as a clear demonstration of the corps’ commitment to the fight against trafficking in persons.

Odimba assured that the corps would remain committed to all efforts aimed at combating human trafficking and related offences in Abia State.