The Civil Society Organisation for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN), in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and media practitioners, has intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen community-based responses in Kano State, North West Nigeria.
The initiative is being implemented under the project, “Strengthening Community Resilience and Institutional Capacity to Address Human Trafficking in Kano State, Nigeria”, aimed at improving collaboration among stakeholders, raising public awareness and strengthening mechanisms for preventing trafficking.
Speaking at a one-day media briefing in Kano, Executive Director of CS-CRIN, Adeniyi Aremu, said effective prevention of human trafficking required stronger cooperation among communities, government agencies, civil society organisations and the media.
Aremu said the project was designed to build the capacity of communities and institutions to identify trafficking risks and respond appropriately.
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“Human trafficking requires a coordinated response because no single institution can address the problem alone. Communities, the media, law enforcement agencies and civil society must work together to prevent trafficking and protect those at risk,” he explained
Participants at the briefing examined emerging trends and patterns of human trafficking in Kano, including factors that make individuals and communities vulnerable to exploitation.
They also discussed the role of the media in combating trafficking, stressing the need for investigative and responsible reporting that would increase public awareness without exposing victims and survivors to further harm.
A participant said journalists could contribute significantly by “reporting trafficking cases accurately, challenging misinformation and ensuring that the dignity, privacy and rights of victims are protected.”
The meeting further explored ways communities could support prevention efforts, improve the identification of vulnerable persons and strengthen referral systems for victims and survivors.
Attention was also given to the contributions of paralegals and Journalists Against Transnational Organised Crime (JATOC) in strengthening responses to human trafficking.
A major outcome of the engagement was the formation of JATOC, a platform expected to promote sustained media collaboration, advocacy and public enlightenment on trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.
Participants called for stronger working relationships among NAPTIP, CS-CRIN, journalists, community structures and other stakeholders to improve referral pathways and ensure that victims receive appropriate protection and support.
The organisers said sustained advocacy and community engagement would be necessary to strengthen institutional and grassroots mechanisms for preventing human trafficking across Kano State.
The project is funded through the Resilience Fund, which supports community responses to organised crime under the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC).
