The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested at least 115 individuals suspected of human traffickers and has successfully rescued 75 victims in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers States.
The successes was disclosed by the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen in Uyo on Tuesday.
Awhen said the duration of the arrests and rescue was between July 2023 and now and stated that out of the 75 victims rescued, about 25 have been empowered with skills in tailoring, hairdressing, barbing and shoemaking.
He said, “Between July 2023 and now, we’ve apprehended 115 human traffickers within the zone and rescued about 75 victims.
“Out of the 75 victims rescued, we have empowered 25 of them with skills in tailoring, hairdressing, barbing and shoemaking.
“Most of the victims rescued are kept in our shelter and we’ve counseled, empowered and reunited them with their families.
“We appeal to members of the public that this fight on human trafficking should not be left in the hands of NAPTIP and the Federal Government alone.”
He further revealed that during that time frame, NAPTIP brought 15 cases to court and successfully obtained three convictions, with 12 cases still awaiting resolution.
The zonal commander urged judges to prioritize human trafficking cases in order to discourage other traffickers.