Benin City — The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Binta Adamu-Bello, has raised alarm over the evolving nature of human trafficking, calling on students in Edo State to remain vigilant and resist deceptive offers.
Speaking on Wednesday through Mr. Josiah Emerole, NAPTIP’s Director of Intelligence, Research, and Programme Development, Adamu-Bello addressed students during the inauguration of Anti-Human Trafficking Vanguard Clubs at Pioneer Education Centre and NICOWA Secondary School in Benin. The event was part of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), a joint initiative by NAPTIP and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), with support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Describing trafficking as modern-day slavery, she warned students that traffickers now operate under the guise of job offers, scholarships, and foreign travel opportunities.
“Human trafficking is no longer what it used to be. It now comes disguised in many forms,” she said.
She urged the 60 newly inducted vanguard members to treat their roles seriously.
“This is not just a ceremony. You are now frontline defenders. Be alert and resist offers that seem too good to be true.”
Adamu-Bello also advised students to always travel with proper documentation and avoid secrecy.
“If anyone offers to take you abroad and tells you to keep it from your parents, that’s a red flag,” she warned.
Also speaking, NAPTIP’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe, encouraged the students to become messengers of awareness in their communities.
“Take this message to your classrooms, homes, churches, and online platforms. That’s how we build a chain of resistance,” she said.
Mr. Sam Offiah, NAPTIP’s Zonal Commander in Benin, assured students of continued monitoring.
“We’ll be checking back to see how the vanguard clubs are progressing,” he stated.
ICMPD’s West Africa Regional Representative, Rhoda Dia-Johnson, urged students to share the knowledge they gained.
“This could save a life maybe your friend or sibling. Spread the word.”
Representing the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Kate Oniawu, Chief Inspector of Education in Oredo LGA, advised students to stay focused.
“Don’t be lured by promises of fast wealth abroad. Focus on your studies,” she cautioned.
The Principal of NICOWA Secondary School, Mrs. Esther Momodu, praised the initiative, urging students to pair knowledge with purpose and vigilance.
“You now carry a responsibility to protect yourselves and others from exploitation,” she concluded.
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