Olawunmi Ajibike 
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has revealed that no fewer than 100 victims and 70 suspects linked to human trafficking have been recorded in Ogun State since late 2023.
The Ogun State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs. Abosede Jimoh, disclosed this on Wednesday during a sensitisation programme on human trafficking and irregular migration held at Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta.
The awareness campaign was organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).
Jimoh expressed concern over the rising cases of human trafficking in the state, explaining that many victims were deceived with promises of employment but later subjected to sexual exploitation.
According to her, some of the rescued underage victims admitted they were forced into sexual activities with multiple partners daily under degrading conditions.
She added that apart from minors, several women had also fallen prey to traffickers who transported them to foreign countries, including Cairo, under false pretences.
“Victims are often moved from villages to urban centres and sometimes outside the country for sexual exploitation,” she said.
“Since NAPTIP established its office in Ogun about two and a half years ago, we have recorded no fewer than 70 suspects and rescued more than 100 victims.
“Currently, nine cases are in court. Three have been successfully prosecuted with convictions secured, while others are still under investigation.”
Jimoh noted that rescued victims receive counselling, medical care, empowerment support and reintegration services to help them rebuild their lives.
The Chairperson of POWA in Ogun State, Mrs. Olubusola Lanre-Ogunlowo, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to empowering women and youths through skills acquisition programmes and advocacy.
She urged market women and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
In her remarks, the Acting State Coordinator of NAWOJ, Comrade Oluwatoyin Adegoke, said the outreach was aimed at educating traders, parents and young people about the deceptive tactics used by traffickers and the risks associated with irregular migration.
Adegoke described human trafficking as a serious threat to families and communities, noting that victims are often lured with false promises of jobs, education and better opportunities abroad, only to end up in forced labour, sexual exploitation and abuse.
Responding on behalf of the market, the Iya Oloja of Lafenwa Market, Alhaja Kabirat Owe, commended the organisers for bringing the awareness campaign to the market.
She assured that market leaders and traders would support efforts to combat human trafficking.
The iya Oloja also urged parents and guardians to treat all children under their care — whether biological or not — with equal love and dignity.
According to her, proper care and fairness will help raise responsible children and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
She further stressed the importance of providing education for children engaged in domestic work, in line with government directives.
“With this enlightenment, we pray it will guide our actions and strengthen our resolve to protect our children,” she said.