NACTAL calls for collaborative effort to tackle human trafficking

THE Network of Civil Society Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) on Tuesday called for an urgent collaborative effort in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.

NACTAL made the call at a press conference to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons which is jointly organised with the Save the Child initiative Nigeria (STCI) in Sokoto.

Addressing the conference Mr Abdulganiyu Abubakar, Chief Executive Officer, STCI Nigeria, described Nigeria as a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking.

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“Nigeria has become a source, transit and destination country for women and youth, who are trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation and slavery.

“The intervention of NACTAL and West African Network (WAN) for the protection of children on the move by ISS Swiss and West African is doing a lot to address the issue of trafficking in persons.

“Moreover, the Transnational intervention for support to vulnerable children and young migrants on the move within the West African space has identified and supported over 5,000 children and young migrants,” he said.

According to Abubakar, it is worthy of note that while Nigerians are being trafficked to other African countries and Europe, children from other West African countries are equally trafficked into Nigeria.

“These children are being subjected to slavery and all forms of hazardous jobs, a situation being aided by unpatriotic security agents at various entry and exit points across Nigeria.”

He appreciated the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), NACTAL, Civil Society Organisations and the media for being consistent in the fight against trafficking in Nigeria.

Also, Hajiya Hassana Mika’ilu, Head of Council and Rehabilitation, NAPTIP Sokoto Zonal Office, said the zone had rescue no fewer than 85 victims since January.

According to Mika’ilu, the agency has prosecuted three persons in the zone.

He also said NAPTIP in collaboration with STCI had rehabilitated all 85 rescued victims.