NAPTIP arrests 120 suspected human traffickers in Ondo

Nigeria's National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has made significant strides in Ondo State, arresting 120 suspected human traffickers and rescuing more than 300 victims since its command launched in November 2023. The agency's State Commander, Taiwo Adegboyega, revealed these figures in Akure, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking.

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Since we got to Ondo State precisely in November 2023, so far, we have rescued not less than 300 victims, locally and internationally. We have arrested not less than 120 suspects of human trafficking.

Adegboyega stated that several suspects are currently facing prosecution, with some cases already resulting in convictions. NAPTIP has intensified its collaboration with key security bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, to bolster its operations.

The agency has also focused on dismantling networks operating under the guise of legitimate travel agencies. Some individuals involved in these deceptive schemes have been apprehended, while investigations and prosecution preparations continue for others. This crackdown targets unregistered agents who exploit vulnerable individuals with false promises of jobs, scholarships, or travel opportunities.

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I can tell you clearly that we have some cases before the court that are under prosecution, and we have secured convictions in some of these cases.

Meanwhile, the Civil Society Organisation Network on Migration and Development urged the Ondo State Government to appoint a Special Adviser on Migration. This role would centralize migration-related issues and provide better support for Ondo indigenes returning from abroad. The organization expressed concern over the inadequate reintegration structures for returnees, emphasizing the need for coordinated government support.

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Some of these so-called agents that are not registered with NANTA, but are working as travel agents, are in our nets already. They have been arrested for the kind of things they are doing.