The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has again cautioned Nigerians against irregular migration in seeking better jobs abroad.

The agency’s director-general, Fatima Waziri-Azi, spoke at the special edition of the agency’s online interactive programme tagged “Conversation with NAPTIP”.

She appreciated the efforts to seek alternative greener pastures but urged Nigerians to be mindful of red flags associated with human trafficking to avoid exploitation.

“If you must Japa, Japa the right way. Migrate legally. Nobody is saying you should not travel. Nobody is saying you should not aspire to be more than what you are now.

“However, everyone aspiring to travel abroad for greener pastures must do his or her homework and research well, and also pay attention to the ‘red flag’ of human traffickers, ” she said.

During the programme to mark the agency’s 20th anniversary and the 2023 World Day Against Human Trafficking, Ms Waziri said the agency had rescued over 22,000 victims.

“Some of the agency’s achievements within the past 20 years include the conviction of 624 traffickers, the rescue of over 22,000 victims and development of counter-trafficking policies, among others, ” she said while reinstating the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians.

According to her, human trafficking has assumed a national spread nationwide with the emerging trends of increased online catfishing of youngsters by traffickers, fake job offers and advertorials.

She added that traffickers now offer fake scholarships, increasing trafficking under the cover of sporting activities and orphanages and buying and selling babies.

According to her, NAPTIP has worked effectively through partnerships with global anti-trafficking law enforcement agencies and corporate bodies such as Meta, owner of Facebook, and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

She appreciated all NAPTIP partners’ sustained support and collaboration with the agency since its creation, saying that her projection was to make the agency a foremost counter-trafficking agency within the comity of nations.

The NAPTIP boss noted that this could only be possible by potently implementing all the relevant laws and ensuring that Nigeria was safe from all forms of trafficking and exploitation.

(NAN)