The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has honoured Alexander Fanafa, the general manager of Benue Links Nigeria, as its ambassador in Benue.

Binta Bello, NAPTIP’s director-general, honoured Fanafa at an event on Thursday in Makurdi.

She commended the company for its partnership with NAPTIP, particularly its support in transporting rescued trafficking survivors from various states to their home communities.

“Between May and now,  Benue Links alone has so far assisted NAPTIP in transporting 12 survivors from different parts of the country to Benue.

“This support has contributed significantly to the agency’s efforts to reunite survivors with their families. So, we are here to thank you for the good work, partnership and the support you have been giving to the state and NAPTIP,” she said.

Ms Bello seized the opportunity and announced NAPTIP’s plans to implement a school-based anti-trafficking project to educate pupils on the dangers and methods of human trafficking.

She added that the agency had intensified sensitisation against human trafficking, including campaigns targeting communities and traditional institutions.

She further said that NAPTIP, as a specialised investigative agency, often required sufficient time to complete investigations before prosecuting suspects.

She said, however, that some families had withdrawn cases, exercising their right not to proceed with prosecution.

Mr Fanafa thanked NAPTIP for the honour, adding that the transport company had developed a strong interest in combating human trafficking in the country.

He said the company had introduced measures to identify suspicious movements, particularly cases where adults travelled with children without clear relationships.

“We insist that passengers must provide relevant information during manifest registration, while suspicious relationships or travel arrangements are usually flagged for further checks.

“With the approval of the governor, Benue Links is providing free transportation for rescued survivors from anywhere in Nigeria back to their families,” he said

Mr Fanafa, however, urged NAPTIP to intensify awareness campaigns against human trafficking at various motor parks.

He also requested that NAPTIP investigators periodically visit motor parks to monitor activities and discreetly help identify possible trafficking networks.

(NAN)