The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Niger State Command has pledged to intensify collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to curb child trafficking in the state.
The State Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, made this known while addressing journalists in Minna, the state capital.
He said the agency was determined to partner with security operatives and members of the public to make Niger State unsafe for traffickers and stop the illegal exportation of underage girls for prostitution abroad.
“NAPTIP’s mandate includes the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of offenders involved in child trafficking, child labour, and sexual exploitation. Anyone caught in such crimes will be brought to justice,” Awhen warned.
He explained that the Niger State Command was established about two years ago due to the state’s proximity to neighbouring countries, which has made it a major transit route for traffickers.
According to him, the office was created to stem the rising cases of cross-border trafficking of underage children.
PIAK