The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned residents of Niger State to remain vigilant against human trafficking scams after rescuing six children, urging the public to report suspicious movements and recruitment activities to help curb exploitation.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Niger State Command, has warned residents to be wary of deceptive recruitment schemes employed by human traffickers, saying many victims are lured with false promises of lucrative jobs and better living conditions abroad.
The State Commander of NAPTIP, Emmanuel Awhen, gave the warning in a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” Awhen said traffickers increasingly exploit vulnerable persons, particularly young people, through fake employment offers and promises of a better future, only to subject them to exploitation, abuse and forced labour.
He described human trafficking as “a scam,” explaining that victims are deceived into travelling before their documents are confiscated, leaving them stranded and unable to seek help.
As part of activities marking the day, the command organised sensitisation road walks in Minna and Bida to educate residents on the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of remaining vigilant.
According to Awhen, Bida was selected for the awareness campaign because it remains one of the state’s trafficking hotspots and requires sustained public enlightenment to curb the crime.
The awareness walk in Minna, which commenced from the Mobil Filling Station and terminated at the Women Multipurpose Centre, attracted traditional rulers, civil society organisations, security agencies and other stakeholders committed to combating human trafficking.
Participants distributed educational materials and engaged members of the public on how to identify signs of trafficking and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The NAPTIP commander stressed that public cooperation is essential in tackling human trafficking, urging residents to promptly report suspicious movements, recruitment activities and other indicators of exploitation.
He disclosed that the agency works closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to combat trafficking.
Awhen also commended the Niger State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs for supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of rescued victims.
The State Commander of NAPTIP, Emmanuel Awhen, and other participants during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30.
Highlighting recent achievements, he revealed that the command had rescued six trafficked children in the state and is currently prosecuting five suspects for trafficking-related offences.
He noted that Niger State serves as both a source and transit point for human trafficking, lamenting that many cases still go unreported due to fear, stigma and lack of awareness.
The commander appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support the fight against trafficking by providing timely information that would help security agencies dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable persons.
“If you see something, say something. Reporting cases can help us track down traffickers and save lives,” Awhen stated.
He assured residents that the NAPTIP office in Niger State remains open to members of the public seeking assistance or wishing to report suspected trafficking cases.
