The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons disclosed that it successfully rescued approximately 470 victims of human trafficking in Katsina in 2023.
The NAPTIP Commander in the state, Mr. Musa Aliyu, provided details of the operations to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
Aliyu shared, “Within 2023, the command in Katsina rescued 470 victims of human trafficking, and reunited them with their respective families.”
He further mentioned that in the same period, the command arrested and convicted around four human traffickers.
The NAPTIP commander highlighted the efforts made by the command to address human trafficking and related issues.
He stated, “We also carried out sensitization programs in conjunction with the Katsina government, for Religious and Traditional leaders, and also for youths in Mai’adua, Baure, and Mashi Local Government Areas.”
In collaboration with the International Centre for Migration on Policy Development, the NAPTIP command organized various sensitization initiatives for border communities.
Additionally, a series of programs were conducted to raise awareness among Religious and Traditional leaders, as well as youths in specific local government areas.
Aliyu emphasized the importance of rehabilitation for trafficked victims, mentioning that the command is anticipating rehabilitation items from the NAPTIP headquarters.
He also highlighted a significant milestone achieved through collaboration with the ICMPD, where free medical treatment was provided for over 80 victims of human trafficking in the state.
Explaining the necessity of the medical outreach, he noted, “The medical outreach had become necessary to address issues of trauma and sexual exploitation of victims of human trafficking.”
