Former inspector general of police Solomon Arase has advised parents to carry out thorough background checks before entrusting their children to other people.

Mr Arase made the call on Thursday in Lagos during a book (‘We are priceless’) authored by a crime reporter, Juliana Francis.

Mr Arase, currently the Police Service Commission chair, said it was essential to prioritise the safety and well-being of the young. According to him, profiling individuals who express interest in caring for children is a responsible approach.

“Parents should not simply hand over their children to anyone who volunteers to take them to the city or elsewhere. It is important to assess the character, reputation, and intentions of individuals before making such decisions,” stated the former IGP.

“Keep a tab on your kids as they go along. Get the phone number of who they are going to stay with and know what they are doing. It is a holistic approach,” Mr Arase added, suggesting that training law enforcement officers was essential in countering these crimes.

He said this could be achieved by educating law enforcement personnel about the signs and the checklist of indicators associated with human trafficking and other crimes against children.

Godwin Morka, a retired director of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), called for collective responsibility in combating the crime.

“There is a need for a concerted effort by all to stop human trafficking. It is doing great damage to Nigerian youths, particularly the female gender. The book launched by Francis is one way to the directive. Others should join in any capacity in fighting the menace,” Mr Morka said.

(NAN)