NAPTIP Commander Vows to Arrest High-Profile Human Traffickers in Benin Zone

The new Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for the Benin Zonal Command, Ganiu Aganran, has declared his primary objective to arrest and prosecute high-profile human traffickers in the Edo and Delta States. 

In an interview with newsmen in Benin City, Aganran emphasized the agency's commitment to diligent prosecution of arrested traffickers to serve as a deterrent to others. He revealed that in 2023, the command rescued over 100 trafficking victims and secured three convictions, with 65 cases currently ongoing in courts across Edo and Delta States.

Aganran highlighted the importance of public awareness, particularly in rural communities, to prevent human trafficking and educate the public on its dangers. Under his leadership, the agency aims to increase its focus on creating awareness and educating communities about the risks and realities of human trafficking.

The agency, in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration and Policy Development (ICMPD), will launch the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP) in both Edo and Delta States. This initiative aims to sensitize students and communities about the dangers of human trafficking.

Aganran stressed the necessity of a collaborative approach to combat human trafficking, involving other law enforcement agencies, stakeholders, and the media. He called for collective efforts to educate the public, especially in rural areas where traffickers often recruit victims.

The commander warned parents to be vigilant about their children's activities, especially online, as traffickers increasingly use social media to recruit victims. He urged parents to monitor their children's online interactions to protect them from falling prey to traffickers.

Aganran pointed out that poverty is not the sole factor driving human trafficking. Greed, desperation, peer pressure, and unemployment also play significant roles. He emphasized the need to address these underlying issues to effectively combat human trafficking.

Aganran expressed his commitment to enhancing the visibility of NAPTIP and working closely with the media to raise public awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. He reiterated the agency's dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice for trafficking victims.