The Federal Government’s efforts to combat human trafficking have gained significant momentum with a new partnership aimed at rehabilitating 10 Nigerian girls recently rescued from traffickers in Ghana.
This initiative, spearheaded by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the plight of trafficking victims.
Adekoye Vincent, NAPTIP’s Communications Officer, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday. He outlined that comprehensive plans have been established for the long-term rehabilitation of these victims and others who have endured similar ordeals.
The partnership emerged from a visit by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to NAPTIP’s headquarters on Monday. This visit was in response to viral reports concerning the trafficking of Nigerian girls to Ghana for sexual exploitation.
After the meeting, NAPTIP’s Director General, Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi, Ph.D, expressed gratitude to the minister for her visit and ongoing support in the fight against human trafficking. She highlighted NAPTIP’s proactive and strategic efforts, which have resulted in the conviction of 29 human traffickers in 2024 alone.
Additionally, the agency secured convictions for 67 traffickers in 2023, 80 in 2022, and a cumulative total of 670 convictions since its inception. Over 23,000 victims have been rescued to date.
Prof. Waziri–Azi emphasized the crucial role of communities and families in combating human trafficking. “Even though the Government has a major role in tackling human trafficking, communities and families have an even greater role in tackling these issues. Regarding the girls in Ghana, we are in touch with the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.
The girls have been rescued and are safe. The perpetrator has been arrested, and I am also in contact with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM),” she said.
Prof. Waziri–Azi also praised the minister’s visit, noting that their discussions would lead to more strategic approaches in preventing human trafficking. “From our conversation, we will approach this issue more strategically, in terms of prevention. Prevention is better than cure,” she added.
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