Over 500 pupils at Ifedapo Community Comprehensive High School, Abalabi, Ogun, have been sensitised on the dangers of human trafficking.
This was disclosed on Sunday in Abeokuta by Mrs Bosede Jimoh, Ogun commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
She stressed that educating children early is crucial to preventing them from falling victim to traffickers.
She explained that young people are often targeted, making awareness programmes essential in schools across the country.
The pupils were taught how trafficking causes deep physical, emotional, and psychological trauma to victims.
“Victims suffer long-term harm, especially when not quickly rehabilitated,” Jimoh said.
The sensitisation campaign is part of a broader initiative under the new Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP).
The project is funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and run by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, alongside NAPTIP.
Jimoh said the pupils learned about trafficking for sexual exploitation, both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
They were also educated on related crimes such as child labour, smuggling of migrants, and illegal adoption schemes.
“These cases are common in Ogun and regularly handled by the command,” she added.
She noted the students’ excitement showed how much they valued the training experience.
Since launching in August 2023, Ogun NAPTIP has secured two convictions, with some cases still in court.
Also, 30 pupils were inducted as members of the Anti-Trafficking and Violence Prevention Vanguard Club.
Jimoh reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to shielding Ogun residents from trafficking through sustained awareness campaigns. (NAN)
