The zonal commander of NAPTIP, Emmanuel Awhen, disclosed this in an interview in Uyo on Tuesday. The zone comprises Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers.

Mr Awhen said, “Between July 2023 and now, we’ve apprehended 115 human traffickers within the zone and rescued about 75 victims. Out of the 75 victims rescued, we have empowered 25 of them with skills in tailoring, hairdressing, barbing and shoe making. Most of the victims rescued are kept in our shelter, and we’ve counselled, empowered and reunited them with their families.”

He added that during the period, NAPTIP charged 15 cases to court and secured three convictions, while 12 cases are still pending.

Mr Awhen appealed to judges to give special attention to human trafficking cases to serve as a deterrent to other traffickers.

Mr Awhen said that coastal communities in the zone are endemic areas of human trafficking. According to him, a lot of human trafficking victims have been rescued in the coastal areas.

“We appeal to members of the public that this fight against human trafficking should not be left in the hands of NAPTIP and the federal government alone,” he stressed. “The agency needs the support and cooperation of all stakeholders so that together we can fight this crime.”

Mr Awhen advised parents and guardians not to let their family members deceive them and take their children and wards on the pretext of helping to train or secure employment.

He said that most often, such children or wards end up being used for child labour or prostitution.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is marked on July 30.

(NAN)