The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its firm stance against human trafficking and irregular migration, declaring a zero-tolerance policy on the crime in the State.
The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, who also chairs the Delta State Taskforce on Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, made this known during a strategic meeting with newly appointed members of the Taskforce in Asaba.
The meeting which centered on strengthening the Taskforce’s operational structure, enhancing the capacity of members to track and curb trafficking in persons, and improving information sharing also addressed public awareness campaigns, victim rehabilitation and closer coordination with national agencies to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.
Expressing deep concern over the rising trend, the Honourable Attorney-General described human trafficking as “an act of wickedness” and warned that the State would not spare anyone found guilty, including sponsors of the crime.
The Honourable Attorney-General further noted that Delta State has a dedicated law prohibiting trafficking in persons and remains the only state in Nigeria with all its laws freely accessible online anywhere in the world, an achievement he described as one of the silent successes of this administration.
He pledged the government’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to stamp out the menace, urging the taskforce members to build on the work already done.
The Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Sam Ofiah, commended the Delta State Government for creating the Taskforce, describing it as a “brilliant initiative” that would bolster the fight against human trafficking.
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He explained that NAPTIP is working closely with the State under the School Anti-Human Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), a Federal Government programme funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
The project focuses on educating schoolchildren and communities to prevent trafficking before it begins.
The meeting also featured presentations from the taskforce members, including representatives from NGOs, anti-trafficking groups, security agencies, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Council for Islamic Affairs, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and government security agencies.
Members highlighted recent rescue operations and outlined strategies to intensify the campaign against human trafficking in Delta State.
