The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced its apprehension of no fewer than 115 suspected human traffickers and rescue of 75 victims in Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers states.
The agency’s Zonal Commander, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, made the disclosure in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, on Tuesday.
In his words, “Between July 2023 and now, we’ve apprehended 115 human traffickers within the zone and rescued about 75 victims”.
Awhen explained that “Out of the 75 victims rescued, we have empowered 25 of them with skills in tailoring, hairdressing, barbing and shoemaking”; adding, “Most of the victims rescued are kept in our shelter and we’ve counseled, empowered and reunited them with their families”.
He further said that during the period, NAPTIP charged 15 cases to court and secured three convictions, while 12 cases are still pending.
The zonal commander then appealed to judges to give special attention to human trafficking cases to serve as a deterrent to other traffickers.
According to him, a lot of human trafficking victims have been rescued in the coastal areas.
“We appeal to members of the public that this fight on human trafficking should not be left in the hands of NAPTIP and the Federal Government alone.
“The agency needs the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, so that together we can fight this crime,” he said.
