The Kano Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has taken custody of 10 rescued victims of human trafficking. The victims, who were rescued by the Kano State Police Command, were handed over to the agency on Thursday.
Details of the Rescue Operation
The victims, aged between 22 and 42, were rescued on December 7 at approximately 2:40 p.m. from a house located in Rijiyar Lemu Quarters, Kano. The rescue was conducted by a team of policemen led by CSP Bala Shuaibu.
Speaking during the handover, NAPTIP’s Kano Zonal Commander, Mr. Abdullahi Babale, revealed that the victims—comprising six females and four males—were en route to Libya for labor exploitation.
“These rescued individuals are from Delta, Edo, Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states,” Babale stated, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting citizens from trafficking and exploitation.
Support from the Kano State Police Command
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salman Dogo-Garba, played a pivotal role in the operation. Babale commended the commissioner for his unwavering support and cooperation, which was instrumental in rescuing the victims.
Plans for Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Babale outlined the agency’s plans to provide counseling and rehabilitation services for the victims before reuniting them with their respective families.
“These individuals will be rehabilitated and given the necessary support to reintegrate into society. We aim to help them recover from the trauma and ensure they are protected from further exploitation,” he explained.
Call for Vigilance Against Trafficking
The zonal commander and the commissioner of police both called on parents and guardians to protect their children from falling prey to traffickers under the guise of seeking greener pastures abroad. They also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities related to human trafficking in their communities.
“Trafficking thrives in secrecy,” Dogo-Garba stated. “We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cases promptly to the authorities for swift action.”
A Growing Concern
Human trafficking remains a significant issue in Nigeria, with many victims lured by promises of better opportunities abroad, only to face exploitation and abuse. The collaboration between NAPTIP and the Kano State Police Command underscores the importance of multi-agency efforts in combating this menace.
Conclusion
The successful rescue of these victims highlights the effectiveness of proactive law enforcement and inter-agency collaboration. As NAPTIP continues its mission to combat human trafficking, public awareness and community vigilance remain critical in preventing future cases and protecting vulnerable individuals.
