The Ogun government, in collaboration other stakeholders, has called for stronger cooperation to tackle human traffickers across the state.

The stakeholders include National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

The appeal was made during a sensitisation walk held on Friday in Abeokuta to mark the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking.

 The event, observed annually on July 30, had the theme: ‘Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation’.

The sensitisation walk covered key locations such as Kuto, Isabo, Sapon, Itoku, and Lafenwa markets in Abeokuta.

Participants included members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Gender Development Initiative, and the Red Cross Society of Nigeria. 

Others present were officials from NACTAL, National Orientation Agency, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.

Addressing the gathering at MKO Abiola Stadium, the Ogun NAPTIP commander, Abosede Jimoh, vowed to use every medium to combat trafficking.

She noted that the walk was an important platform to raise awareness on human trafficking and advocate for victims’ protection and rights.

Ms Jimoh stressed the urgency of combating the crime, which exploits individuals for profit, and highlighted the need for unified efforts to support victims.

“Human trafficking is a clear threat to development. It targets women and youth and undermines national stability.

“We must put aside all differences and unite to protect Nigerians from traffickers,” Ms Jimoh added.

She explained that human trafficking is evolving daily, with traffickers adopting new methods and destinations for exploitation.

Ms Jimoh revealed that NAPTIP in Ogun has handled over 50 trafficking cases, including child labour, sextortion, and baby sales.

She said the command has secured three convictions, with seven court cases ongoing and several others still under investigation.

Olubunmi Ashimolowo, founder of Gender Development Initiative, urged more Nigerians to act decisively against trafficking.

She described Ogun’s situation as alarming, saying the state now ranks among the top three in the country for human trafficking cases.

“We must support the government and stakeholders. Communities must report trafficking to security agencies, especially NAPTIP,” she urged.

Ms Ashimolowo said both children and adults are being kidnapped for organ harvesting, sextortion, drugs, and other purposes.

“The public should call 08033469577 to report any human trafficking activity in their area,” she added.

She said research shows Ogun is now both a trafficking destination and source, overtaking states like Edo and Delta.

Me Ashimolowo praised NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, for recovering stranded Nigerians abroad.

The state human trafficking task force chairman, Kolawole Soremi, also described the situation as worrying.

He commended the Ogun government for working with stakeholders to disrupt trafficking networks and prosecute offenders across the state.

 (NAN)