The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called on residents of border communities in Ogun State to support efforts to prevent human trafficking and violence against persons.
The agency urged community members to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, particularly those involving the movement or recruitment of vulnerable people.
The call was made during a two-day town hall meeting and community engagement on Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Persons held in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area.
The Ogun State Commander of NAPTIP, Bose Jimoh, said border communities such as Idiroko require particular attention because they can be used as routes for traffickers moving victims within and outside Nigeria.
She explained that many victims are initially recruited from communities before being transported to other locations for exploitation.
Jimoh said the engagement was designed to equip traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport workers, market women and other stakeholders with the knowledge needed to identify warning signs and report suspected trafficking cases.
The meeting was organised in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and attended by representatives of community groups and security agencies.
Jimoh also warned Nigerians to be cautious of attractive job offers and other recruitment opportunities promoted online.
She noted that traffickers were constantly changing their methods and could use seemingly genuine opportunities to lure potential victims.
According to the agency, human trafficking now includes several forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation, child trafficking, organ harvesting and sextortion.
Residents were therefore encouraged to verify suspicious offers and alert relevant authorities whenever they notice activities that could be linked to trafficking.
The Project Officer of ICMPD and coordinator of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project, Samuel Okoroji, said Idiroko was deliberately selected because of its location along an international border corridor.
He said border routes are particularly vulnerable because they serve as entry and exit points that can be exploited by trafficking networks.
Okoroji said the initiative was aimed at increasing awareness among residents and encouraging communities to participate actively in preventing, reporting and referring trafficking and violence cases.
The engagement also focused on improving cooperation among residents, authorities and community institutions.
Okoroji said participants would work towards developing a common position against human trafficking and violence against persons in Idiroko and neighbouring communities.
He added that ICMPD and its partners would provide stakeholders with a directory of service providers in Ogun State to assist with the referral and support of victims.
The Ajiroba of Idiroko, Chief Afolabi Ogunsina, commended NAPTIP and ICMPD for organising the training.
He said the engagement would strengthen the community’s capacity to support efforts aimed at tackling trafficking and other forms of violence.
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At the end of the meeting, the 102 participants agreed to intensify awareness campaigns in schools, religious centres, markets and other public spaces.
They also pledged to discourage harmful cultural and religious practices that could contribute to trafficking and violence.
The participants further resolved to strengthen surveillance along transit routes and report suspicious activities linked to human trafficking and violence against persons.
The resolutions are expected to enhance community participation in identifying potential victims, alerting authorities and supporting appropriate intervention.
NAPTIP said the active involvement of border communities would remain crucial to disrupting trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable Nigerians.