THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has identified Oyo State as a major source, transit, and destination point for human trafficking, citing its shared border with the Republic of Benin as a key factor fueling the crime.
Speaking during the Stronger Futures Dialogue held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, NAPTIP Oyo State Commandant Kayode Alfred warned residents to be cautious of fake job offers, scholarship opportunities, and travel deals, particularly those promoted on social media.
According to Alfred, traffickers take advantage of Oyo’s strategic location to move victims both within Nigeria and across international borders for exploitation.
He explained that NAPTIP tackles human trafficking through its **5Ps Strategy**:
- Policy – Strengthening anti-trafficking laws and policies.
- Prevention – Creating public awareness to reduce vulnerability.
- Prosecution – Investigating and prosecuting traffickers.
- Protection – Rehabilitating and supporting rescued victims.
- Partnership – Collaborating with government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
Alfred praised the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with NAPTIP, noting that the agency works closely with the Ministries of Women Affairs and Justice to rehabilitate victims and prosecute offenders.
He also highlighted the role of the Oyo State Task Force on Human Trafficking, established in 2020, which brings together agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, and civil society organisations to coordinate intelligence sharing, rescue operations, and capacity-building initiatives.
The commandant warned that many victims are deceived with promises of better jobs, education, or improved living conditions, urging Nigerians not to let poverty or the desire for greener pastures make them easy targets for traffickers.
He advised people to be especially wary of strangers on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where traffickers increasingly disguise fraudulent schemes as legitimate opportunities.
Alfred further cautioned that any opportunity requiring secrecy from parents, relatives, or trusted friends should be treated as a major warning sign, stressing that genuine offers do not demand secrecy.
He expressed confidence that continued cooperation between NAPTIP, the Oyo State Government, and other stakeholders will strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals across the state.
