The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has emphasized the urgent need for Nigerians to understand the tactics of human traffickers to effectively combat this crime. This call was made during the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, commemorated in Abuja with a novelty football match between female NAPTIP officers and female partners of the agency.
During the event, NAPTIP Director-General Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi highlighted the importance of sensitizing not only adults but also children to the various strategies employed by human traffickers. She stressed that educating children is crucial to leaving no one behind in the fight against human trafficking.
“The aim of the football match is to create a fun and engaging way to raise awareness about human trafficking,” Waziri-Azi stated. “We want to remind the public and the world that victims of human trafficking deserve compassion and solidarity, alongside our continued efforts in sensitization.”
She reiterated that NAPTIP remains the primary law enforcement agency in Nigeria dedicated to combating human trafficking. The agency employs a five-pronged strategic approach: prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership, and policy.
Mojisola Sodeinde, head of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), echoed Waziri-Azi’s sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the event. “This match is not about winning or losing; it’s about coming together to support anti-trafficking efforts,” Sodeinde said. “ICMPD partners with NAPTIP not only in Nigeria but across West Africa, demonstrating our commitment to this cause.”
Sodeinde also highlighted a recent ICMPD project with NAPTIP, implemented in five states: Benue, Edo, Ogun, Delta, and Enugu. This project involves working with school authorities and communities to continue advocacy and awareness efforts.
“Each year, we strive to improve our initiatives. This year, we are doing more and doing it better, leveraging our experience,” Sodeinde noted. “However, traffickers are constantly developing new methods to perfect their trade, and we must continually adapt to counter their tactics.”
The event underscored the need for ongoing vigilance and education to combat human trafficking effectively, emphasizing the critical role of public awareness and community involvement in this fight.
