The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has identified Oyo State as a source, transit and destination point for human trafficking, warning residents against deceptive job, scholarship and travel offers, especially those circulated on social media.

The Oyo State Commandant of NAPTIP, Kayode Alfred, issued the warning while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the Stronger Futures Dialogue organised by the University of Amsterdam in collaboration with the Oyo State Government at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.

Alfred attributed the state’s vulnerability to its strategic location and proximity to the Republic of Benin, noting that traffickers exploit the international border to move victims within and outside Nigeria.

“Oyo State is a source, transit and destination state for human trafficking. People are trafficked from Oyo State to other states and countries, while others are brought into the state for exploitation.

“Because Oyo State shares an international border with the Republic of Benin, it remains particularly vulnerable to trafficking activities,” he said.

The commandant explained that NAPTIP combats human trafficking through its “5Ps Strategy” — Policy, Prevention, Prosecution, Protection and Partnership.

According to him, the strategy focuses on developing anti-trafficking policies and laws, carrying out public enlightenment campaigns, investigating and prosecuting traffickers, providing rehabilitation and support for victims, and fostering collaboration with government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the agency’s relationship with the Oyo State Government, Alfred commended the state for its continued commitment to combating human trafficking through institutional partnerships.

He disclosed that NAPTIP works closely with the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs on the shelter, rehabilitation and reintegration of rescued victims, while also collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to ensure effective prosecution of trafficking-related offences.

Alfred further revealed that the Oyo State Task Force on Human Trafficking, established in 2020, has strengthened efforts to tackle the crime.

According to him, the task force is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, while the NAPTIP State Commandant serves as co-chairman.

Its membership includes representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and other key stakeholders.

“The task force meets regularly to address trafficking issues. We collaborate on case referrals, intelligence sharing, capacity-building programmes, workshops and joint operations aimed at rescuing victims and arresting traffickers,” he said.

Alfred warned that many victims are lured into trafficking networks through false promises of employment, scholarships and improved living conditions.

He urged Nigerians not to allow the search for greener pastures to make them vulnerable to criminal syndicates.

“You do not have to leave Nigeria before you can succeed. Many people become victims because of poverty, unemployment or the desire for a better life. Desperation often makes them vulnerable to traffickers,” he said.

The NAPTIP commandant also cautioned residents to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online, noting that traffickers increasingly use platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to disguise fraudulent schemes as legitimate opportunities.

He explained that deception remains one of the most common tactics employed by traffickers, who first gain the trust of unsuspecting victims before exploiting them for financial gain.

Alfred advised Nigerians to reject any offer that requires secrecy from parents, family members or trusted associates, describing such requests as clear warning signs of trafficking.

“Be wary of anyone who tells you to keep an offer secret from your parents, family or friends. Genuine opportunities do not require secrecy,” he stressed.

He expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government for its continued support and collaboration with NAPTIP in the fight against human trafficking and expressed confidence that sustained partnerships would further strengthen efforts to prevent the crime and protect vulnerable persons across the state. (Channels TV, but headline reworked)

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