NAPTIP RESCUES 41 HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS IN ANAMBRA IN 2023

REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) says it rescued 41 victims of human trafficking and arrested 18 suspected traffickers in Anambra State in 2023.

The Public Relations Officer of the agency in the state, Mr. Anthony Okafor, who declared this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Awka, said 25 human trafficking cases were reported to the agency in the year under review.

According to the NAPTIP spokesman, of the 25 cases, 7 were being prosecuted, while 17 others were still under investigation.

Mr. Okafor, who said no conviction of suspects under trial was secured in 2023, appealed to the citizens to promptly report suspicious activities to NAPTIP.

He assured that the agency would do the needful to establish authenticity or otherwise of the suspicion.

“What we expect from the citizenry is a prompt reporting of cases when they happen in line the slogan that says when you see something, you say something.

“We encourage the public to always report cases of human trafficking to NAPTIP and such cases will be handled professionally while the offenders are diligently prosecuted,” he said.

The PRO commended the support and assistance from the Abia State government and called for sustenance to boost the fight against human trafficking in the area.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU