ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA — The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has called on residents of border communities in Ogun State to collaborate with security agencies in the fight against human trafficking, warning that traffickers are increasingly using online recruitment platforms to lure unsuspecting victims.
The appeal was made on Friday by the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in charge of Ogun State, Mrs. Olubunmi Adeleye, during a sensitisation programme held in Idi-Iroko, a border community in Ipokia Local Government Area. She noted that border communities were particularly vulnerable to human trafficking due to their proximity to international routes and the presence of organised criminal networks operating across the Nigeria-Benin Republic border.
“Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in silence. It thrives when communities look the other way or when victims are too afraid to speak out,” Adeleye stated. “We are calling on residents of our border communities to be our eyes and ears. If you see something suspicious, say something. Your information could save a life.”
The NAPTIP commander warned that traffickers have adapted their methods to the digital age, using social media platforms, online job offers, and false promises of education and employment abroad to recruit victims. She urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and to be wary of strangers offering travel opportunities or lucrative jobs overseas.
“These criminals are no longer operating only in the shadows. They are on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. They promise young people jobs in Europe, education in America, and a better life. But when these victims arrive, they find themselves trapped in prostitution, forced labour, or domestic servitude,” she said.
Adeleye disclosed that NAPTIP had recorded a significant number of trafficking cases involving Ogun State indigenes in recent years, with many victims recruited from rural communities. She said the agency was intensifying its awareness campaigns in border areas to educate residents about the dangers of trafficking and the methods used by traffickers.
The sensitisation programme, which was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and market women, featured presentations on the indicators of human trafficking, the legal framework for prosecution, and the support services available for victims. Participants were also educated on the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking and the role of communities in preventing the crime.
The Oniko of Iko, Oba AbdulRasheed Ogunlade, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, commended NAPTIP for its efforts and pledged the support of the community in the fight against trafficking. He urged parents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles in their communities.
NAPTIP also called on the Ogun State Government to provide more support for the agency’s operations, including vehicles, office accommodation, and funding for sensitisation programmes. The agency said it would continue to partner with the state government, security agencies, and civil society organisations to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons.
Residents of Idi-Iroko expressed appreciation for the sensitisation programme, with many saying they had learned new information about the tactics used by traffickers. A trader, Mrs. Funmilayo Adebayo, said she would be more vigilant about her children’s online activities and would share the information she had learned with her neighbours. “We cannot afford to lose our children to these wicked people. We will work with NAPTIP and the police to protect our community,” she said.
