The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Imo State Command, has intensified its efforts to combat human trafficking through a sensitization programme held at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri.
The event was organized in observance of the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking In Persons (TIP), marking a significant step in raising awareness among youths who are often vulnerable to trafficking schemes.
In his keynote address, NAPTIP Imo State Commander, Toochukwu Ezejiegu explained the fundamental elements of human trafficking.
He described the act as including recruitment and transportation; the means involving deception, coercion, or abduction; and the ultimate purpose being exploitation.
To enhance the fight against trafficking, he outlined NAPTIP’s five core strategies: Policy formulation, fostering Partnership, Prevention of trafficking, Protection of victims, and Prosecution of offenders.
Representing the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Dr. A.C. Madu, the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Control praised NAPTIP for bringing the sensitization exercise to the campus.
He emphasized that awareness remains a critical tool in combating human trafficking and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to protect Nigerian youths from traffickers.
Delivering a goodwill message, Hon. Eddie Duru, CEO of RARDUJA International and a
NAPTIP Chief Ambassador, cautioned students against falling prey to deceptive offers abroad.
He shared a personal story about rescuing a young Nigerian trafficking victim in Germany, urging young people to focus their energy on productive ventures at home rather than chasing false promises of greener pastures overseas.
Honorable Duru also drew attention to the alarming emerging trend of organ harvesting linked to trafficking.
A representative from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commandant highlighted the dangerous nexus between human trafficking and drug racketeering, underlining the complexity of criminal networks that endanger Nigerian youth.
This connection highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to dismantling trafficking rings and related criminal enterprises.
Other presenters stressed the importance of vigilance and informed students about the support services available for trafficking survivors, including psychosocial, medical, and legal aid, provided through NAPTIP, the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), and partner Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Plans were also unveiled to establish anti-human trafficking clubs in schools in partnership with NAPTIP, aiming to empower students in the frontline fight against trafficking.
The sensitization programme concluded with a resounding call on students to remain alert, reject irregular migration, and actively participate in efforts to eradicate trafficking in persons.
Students were urged to report any suspected cases of trafficking to the C-Advocacy Toll Free line: 0800 900 1000, managed by the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), thus reinforcing community involvement in the campaign against this grave human rights abuse.
This outreach underscores NAPTIP’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and mobilizing young Nigerians as key stakeholders in the ongoing battle against human trafficking in Imo State and beyond.