NAPTIP partners Bayelsa, security agencies to combat human trafficking

The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), says it will collaborate with Bayelsa state government and relevant security agencies to combat human trafficking and other related offences in the state.

Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Benin Zonal Command, Mrs. Ijeoma Uduak, said this on Tuesday in Yenagoa.

The command comprises Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

She said this during her visit to the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government (SSG), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and state commissioner of police.

Uduak said that NAPTIP through its Director-General, Mrs. Julie Okah-Donli, was ready to partner relevant stakeholders in order to reduce the rate of human trafficking, child labour, sexual exploitation and other related offences to the barest minimum in the state.

“As we all know, NAPTIP is a focal agency of the federal government saddled with the responsibility of coordinating all trafficking in persons’ law, arrest and prosecution of offenders.

“We also rehabilitate victims and prevent occurrence through sensitisation and partnership for the betterment of the society. We are more determined and ready for synergy and collaboration in order to collectively eradicate these heinous crimes across board,” she said.

Commenting, the SSG, Mr. Kombowei Benson, said the state government had continually tackled trafficking and rape cases, being a common menace in the state.

“There have been talk shows on radio, TV and social media. So, steps must be taken to curb the situation. As a government, we must ensure that such activities do not thrive in Bayelsa state, where you see young girls are being raped and molested by adults; that has to be a thing of the past.

“Information must be given to be able to lessen the issue of rape, trafficking and child abuse in the whole country,” he said.

Acting state Director of DSS, Mr. Mike Obaje, commended the NAPTIP for the synergy with security agencies in Bayelsa. He said child trafficking, rape ànd abuse had in recent times been on the increase in Nigeria.

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“Rape is becoming a serious concern for the citizenry as the menace is now common in all parts of the country. NAPTIP should endeavour to organise an enlightenment programme for the public to be aware of the antics of those involved in trafficking and other related matters,” he said.

Commander NDLEA, Mr. Kupi Maulsei, said he was ready to partner NAPTIP to curb human trafficking and other related matters in Bayelsa and urged the officials to be more serious this time around, as the crime of trafficking and rape were on the increase in Nigeria currently.

The state Commissioner of Police, Nkereuwem Akpan acknowledged the NAPTIP team for the good work they had been doing and promised to work in synergy with them. He promised to assist the organisation in anyway the command could to eradicate trafficking, rape and other abuses in the state.

Akpan called on parents to caution their children and be watchful of the kind of friends they keep to avoid falling prey and becoming delinquents in the society.

Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Felix Odika, said that the NIS was ready to collaborate with NAPTIP in curbing trafficking and illegal migration.

He said NAPTIP had been living up to its mandate and expectations as statutorily required of it, adding that “you have been doing your job properly, we urge you never to be deterred from the job.”