The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has ramped up its efforts in Ondo State to tackle the scourge of human trafficking with the support of Expertise France.
With the renovated state command office equipped with modern facilities to support NAPTIP’s operations, including investigation, prosecution, and victims’ rehabilitation, Country Project Manager, Expertise France, Benjamin Eneanya, stated that the move will enhance the agency’s capacity to effectively combat human trafficking in the state.
Eneanya, who commended the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, for the strides in combating human trafficking in Nigeria, disclosed that the renovation of the office was aimed at providing a conducive working environment for NAPTIP operatives.
The NAPTIP Director-General, who was represented by the zonal commander, Chinedu Ajaegbu, stated that the development will enable NAPTIP to strengthen its presence in the state and collaborate more effectively with authorities and stakeholders.
The Director-General, who emphasised the importance of collaboration with international partners and stakeholders in combating the scourge, stated that such a move will go a long way in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
The State Commander of NAPTIP, Taiwo Adegboyega, said that the renovated office space was donated by the state government, and a number of cases had been attended to by the agency in the state since the commencement of operations.
Adegboyega maintained that some victims of trafficking had been rescued in the state, with rehabilitation ongoing before releasing them to their families.
He said, “We came on board fully on November 13, 2023, realising that Ondo State is endemic when it comes to the issue of human trafficking. We have seen cases of human trafficking here.
“Due to the serious fight against human trafficking in Edo State, traffickers tend to relocate to neighbouring states of Edo, of which Ondo State is one. That is why the agency deemed it fit to move to Ondo State in order to ensure that traffickers have no hiding place.”
