NAPTIP DG warns parents against human traffickers during yuletide

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to remain vigilant against human traffickers during the festive season.

In a statement signed by the Agency Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, Bello also emphasized the importance of unity, love, and religious tolerance as Christians celebrate Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

Speaking at the NAPTIP Christian Fellowship’s end-of-year Thanksgiving programme in Abuja, Bello cautioned that traffickers often exploited the season’s festivities to lure unsuspecting individuals, particularly children and wards, into trafficking for sexual and labor exploitation.

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“Christmas is about love, giving, and unity. As we celebrate, let us be watchful and protect our children and communities from traffickers who might use their ill-gotten wealth to deceive others. Suspicious activities should be promptly reported to NAPTIP through our active reporting platforms,” Bello said.

She reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to counter-trafficking efforts, including awareness campaigns, victim rehabilitation, and prosecuting offenders.

She also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support, the Federal Ministry of Justice under Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the National Assembly for their legislative backing in fighting human trafficking.

Bello stressed the need for collective action: “Human traffickers are enemies of this generation. We must unite, share information, and collaborate to defeat them.”

The Thanksgiving event featured Christmas carols by the NAPTIP Christian Fellowship Choir and was attended by NAPTIP directors and representatives from various organizations within the Federal Capital Territory.