The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) command in Ogun State has called for stronger cooperation to tackle human traffickers across the state.

 The appeal was made during a sensitisation walk held on Friday in Abeokuta to mark the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking.

The event, observed annually on July 30, had the theme, “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation.’’

 The sensitisation walk covered key locations such as Kuto, Isabo, Sapon, Itoku, and Lafenwa markets in Abeokuta.

 Participants included members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Gender Development Initiative, and the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.

 Others present were officials from International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), National Orientation Agency, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.

 Addressing the gathering at the MKO Abiola Stadium, the Ogun State NAPTIP Commander, Abosede Jimoh, vowed to use every medium to combat trafficking.

She noted that the walk was an important platform to raise awareness on human trafficking and advocate victims’ protection and rights.

Ms Jimoh stressed the urgency of combating the crime, which exploits individuals for profit, and highlighted the need for unified efforts to support victims.

She said, “Human trafficking is a clear threat to development. It targets women and youth and undermines national stability. We must put aside all differences and unite to protect Nigerians from traffickers.’’ 

She explained that human trafficking was evolving daily, with traffickers adopting new methods and destinations for exploitation.

 Ms Jimoh stated that NAPTIP in Ogun State had handled over 50 trafficking cases, including child labour, sextortion, and baby sales.

 She said the command secured three convictions, with seven court cases ongoing and several others still under investigation.

Founder of Gender Development Initiative, Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo, urged more Nigerians to act decisively against trafficking.

 She described Ogun’s situation as alarming, saying the state now ranks among the top three states in the country for human trafficking.

She stated, “We must support the government and stakeholders. Communities must report trafficking to security agencies, especially NAPTIP.’’ 

Ms Ashimolowo said both children and adults were being kidnapped for organ harvesting, sextortion, drugs, and other purposes.

“The public should call 08033469577 to report any human trafficking activity in their area,” she added.

 She said research shows Ogun is now both a trafficking destination and source, overtaking states such as Edo and Delta states.

 Ms Ashimolowo praised NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, for recovering stranded Nigerians abroad.

The state Human Trafficking Taskforce Chairman, Kolawole Soremi, also described the situation as worrying.

 He commended the Ogun State government for working with stakeholders to disrupt trafficking networks and prosecute offenders across the state.

(NAN)