By Praise Chinecherem
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Friday said it rescued 41 victims of human trafficking and arrested 18 suspected traffickers in Anambra State in 2023.
Public Relations Officer of the agency in the state, Mr Anthony Okafor, who disclosed this in a statement, said a total of 25 human trafficking cases were reported to the agency in the year under review.
According to him, out of 25 cases, 7 were being prosecuted, while 17 others are still under investigation.
While revealing that no conviction of suspects under trial was secured in 2023, Okafor appealed to citizens to promptly report suspicious activities to NAPTIP, assuring of the agency’s readiness to establish authenticity or otherwise of the suspicion.
“What we expect from the citizenry is a prompt reporting of cases when they happen in line the slogan that says when you see something, you say something.
“We encourage the public to always report cases of human trafficking to NAPTIP and such cases will be handled professionally while the offenders are diligently prosecuted.”
The PRO appreciated state government’s support and assistance, calling for its sustenance to boost the fight against human trafficking in the state.
“We cannot do it alone. But with government cooperation and support, cases of human trafficking will be reduced to the barest minimum in the state,” he added.
