In light of the ever-evolving strategies employed by human traffickers to entrap young individuals, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has issued a warning to the youth. She advises them to be cautious of individuals who consistently present themselves as helpers, as this is a significant and successful tactic used by human traffickers.She made this statement during her speech to the management and students of Government Day Secondary School, Dutsen Alhaji, Abuja. The occasion was the commemoration of the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence and the launch of the agency's Anti-Trafficking in Persons Vanguard, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation.
The Director General (DG) emphasizes that the main goal of the Vanguard is to serve as a forum for students to get education and awareness regarding matters pertaining to human trafficking and violence against individuals.
In a statement issued by Vincent Adekoye, the Press officer of NAPTIP, it was emphasized that efforts are being made to establish additional vanguards in schools. These vanguards would focus on educating students about their role as advocates against the crime of human trafficking and identifying warning signs.
"Since last year, we have been implementing the Vanguard program in secondary schools. This program provides a platform for you to raise awareness among yourselves and others, using a comprehensive approach that involves the entire school and family."
"To date, we have established 203 Vanguards throughout the nation, including federal government unity schools, military schools, faith-based schools, and the Abuja school for the deaf," she states.
While acknowledging the endeavors of the anti-trafficking agency The school's principal, Emmanuel Ayodeji, stated his dedication to assisting NAPTIP in achieving its objectives.