The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has revealed that it has received no fewer than 100 victims and 70 suspects linked to human trafficking in Ogun State between late 2023 and the present.
The disclosure was made by the Ogun State Commander of NAPTIP, Abosede Jimoh, during a sensitisation programme on human trafficking and irregular migration held at Lafenwa Market.
The outreach programme was organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in collaboration with the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) as part of efforts to educate market traders and residents on the dangers of trafficking.
Jimoh expressed concern over the growing incidence of human trafficking in the state, noting that many victims were deceived with false promises of employment before being subjected to sexual exploitation.
According to her, some rescued underage victims recounted harrowing experiences of being forced into sexual activities with multiple partners daily under degrading conditions.
She also stated that women were frequently lured with fraudulent job offers and transported to foreign countries, including Cairo, where they became victims of exploitation.
“Victims are moved from one location to another — from villages to urban centres and sometimes outside the country — for sexual exploitation,” Jimoh explained.
“Since NAPTIP established its presence in Ogun about two and a half years ago, we have received not fewer than 70 suspects and more than 100 victims. We currently have nine cases in court, three of which have resulted in convictions, while others remain under investigation.”
She added that rescued victims receive counselling, medical care, empowerment support and reintegration services as part of the agency’s rehabilitation programmes.
Earlier, the Chairperson of POWA in Ogun, Olubusola Lanre-Ogunlowo, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to women and youth empowerment through skills acquisition initiatives and advocacy campaigns.
She urged market traders and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Also speaking, the Acting State Coordinator of NAWOJ, Oluwatoyin Adegoke, described the outreach as a crucial step in educating communities about the deceptive tactics used by traffickers.
She emphasised that victims are often lured with promises of education, employment and better opportunities abroad, only to end up in forced labour and sexual exploitation.
Human trafficking, she warned, remains a real and present danger that affects families and communities, underscoring the need for collective action to combat the menace.
Responding, the Iya Oloja of Lafenwa Market, Kabirat Owe, commended the organisers for bringing the sensitisation campaign to the market.
She pledged the support of market leaders and traders in efforts to curb human trafficking and urged parents to treat all children under their care with equal love and dignity.
Owe also stressed the importance of providing education for children engaged in domestic work, in line with government directives.
“With this enlightenment, we pray it will guide our actions and strengthen our resolve to protect our children,” she said.
The programme highlighted ongoing efforts by stakeholders to address human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals while promoting awareness and community engagement.