DUTSE, Nigeria – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) calls for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in Jigawa State as it intensifies efforts to curb human trafficking and gender-based violence.
The appeal comes after a statewide sensitisation campaign across all 27 local government areas, held between 7 and 18 November. State Commander Abdulkadir Turajo says elected officials, traditional leaders and local government chairmen must strengthen their support for ongoing operations.
“I wish to call on elected representatives and local government chairmen to join hands with NAPTIP to expand its just concluded sensitisation,” he says during an interview in Dutse.
Turajo says the agency is working closely with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to support capacity-building training for previously sensitised leaders. “We are in touch with the ministry to strengthen training for community leaders and stakeholders for effective counter-trafficking operations,” he adds.
He commends Governor Umar Namadi for supporting the command since its establishment in 2023, noting that Jigawa’s strategic position along a major international route makes prevention efforts crucial.
Turajo explains that the campaign brought together community leaders from across the state to deepen their understanding of the dangers of trafficking, its consequences, and their roles in preventing it.
“This initiative brought critical stakeholders together and sensitised them on the dangers and consequences of human trafficking. They were reminded of their roles in curbing the menace in their communities,” he says.
NAPTIP urges residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities, stressing that public participation is vital to disrupting trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable groups.
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