THE International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has called on Nigerians to report suspected cases of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other relevant authorities.
Mr Christian Iloma, Project Officer at ICMPD, made the appeal on Thursday in Enugu during a sensitisation road-walk organised to mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The event, held in partnership with NAPTIP and other security agencies, was designed to raise public awareness about the growing menace of human trafficking across the country.
“This is just an avenue that allows us to sensitise people and it is done annually,” Mr Iloma stated. “We are joining our voices to end and curb human trafficking in Nigeria.”
He emphasised that the initiative extends beyond mere awareness campaigns, adding: “We are looking at behavioural change and people getting to see that the awareness goes beyond regular sensitisation but is positively some changes in their lives.”
The project officer reiterated that the road-walk formed part of broader efforts to educate the public on how to avoid falling victim to traffickers.
“If you know someone who is in this kind of danger or who is affected in any way, it is best to report them to the designated authority and in this case, NAPTIP,” he urged.
Speaking at the event, the NAPTIP South East Zonal Commander, Mr Jonathan Ukpai, said the sensitisation aimed to educate the public on the perils faced by illegal migrants and the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Mr Ukpai stressed that the message was not to discourage travel but to promote legal and safe migration practices.
“What we are saying is not that people should not travel but should do it legally,” he said. “We are partnering with the media, civil society organisations, security agencies, the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders to carry out this sensitisation walk.”
The Secretary of the Enugu State Task Force on Trafficking, Mrs Caroline Avah, noted that the walk aligned with NAPTIP’s core vision, which encompasses policy, prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.
Mrs Avah emphasised that the state government remained committed to shielding residents from becoming victims of trafficking and highlighted the significant impact the Task Force was making across the state.
She offered a stark warning to parents, particularly during the holiday period: “I advise the people to be watchful, that all that glitters are not gold. Be watchful especially now. This is holiday period, they would come from everywhere saying ‘I want a child to live with my mummy, live with my auntie’ – it is not true.”
She further urged parents to exercise caution, adding: “We will continue to sensitise parents in churches to stop giving their children out to anybody.”
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on 30 July, drawing global attention to the plight of trafficking victims and the need for concerted action to combat the crime.
