The Nigerian Government is partneringing with the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to enhance tracing and investigation of human trafficking crimes.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, Fatima Waziri-Azi made this known at the commemoration of World Day Against Human Trafficking 2022, in Abuja.
According to her, the partnership will help the country detect persons who use social media platforms to electronically distribute pornographic materials to either blackmail or exploit victims adding that the Agency is currently investigating cases of online child abuse, human trafficking and other related cases.
She explained that the Agency has set up a cybercrime task team that is dedicated to tackling online crimes.
“In the same vein, we conduct Joint Investigations with INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Nigeria.“
Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Adeola Rahman called for better synergy with other countries of the world to tackle the menace of human trafficking.
He said human trafficking is a challenge of extraordinary magnitude, as it poses serious risks and long-lasting adverse consequences to all affected persons.
“As a government, we are proud of the achievements recorded by NAPTIP her partners and other stakeholders but I am here to urge that we must do more,“ the VP said.
Professor Osinbajo noted that the Nigerian government has continued to deploy the necessary political will in the fight against human trafficking by providing direction and support to NAPTIP and other critical stakeholders to make Nigeria a human trafficking-free nation.
“We are here in solidarity with victims and survivors of human trafficking and to rise in unison by promoting and protecting the rights of potential victims.
“I hope we will take this opportunity to rekindle our commitment to walk together in finding solutions that would build a safer and just world.”
The Federal Commissioner National Commission for Refugees and Internally displaced Persons, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman reiterated the commission’s efforts in the fight against human trafficking
He stressed the need for more capacity building to achieve the desired results.
The Acting Controller General Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr Isah Gere promised to maintain synergy with NAPTIP in checkmating human trafficking in the country.
The Chief Executive National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa expressed the commitment to provide more support in Fighting human trafficking.
Diplomatic missions in Nigeria such as the US, Japan and the Netherlands promised to support Nigeria in the fight against human trafficking.
PIAK
