The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has warned Nigerians particularly younger generations against fake job offers, fraudulent scholarship opportunities and other deceptive schemes increasingly being used by human traffickers to lure unsuspecting victims.
The Commander of NAPTIP in Zamfara State, Aliyu Sarkin Sudan, gave the warning during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons held in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and other stakeholders, featured an awareness rally and road walk aimed at sensitising the public to the dangers of human trafficking.
Aliyu Sarkin Sudan said this year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” reflected the growing trend of traffickers using fake employment opportunities, fraudulent scholarships and online scams to recruit and exploit vulnerable persons.
He noted that, traffickers now rely heavily on social media and digital platforms, making it necessary for young people to verify any travel, employment or educational offers before accepting them.
The NAPTIP Commander stressed that, the fight against human trafficking requires collective efforts from government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups, non-governmental organisations, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups and community members.
He urged parents and guardians to educate their children on the dangers of trafficking and online exploitation while encouraging victims and residents to promptly report suspected cases to relevant authorities.
In a remark, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency, Dr Mohammad Habibu Yalwa, called on residents to support ongoing efforts to end human trafficking by reporting suspicious activities and verifying travel or employment arrangements before making commitments.
He warned that many promises of lucrative jobs and better lives abroad often end in exploitation, forced labour and other forms of abuse, adding that, combating human trafficking requires every one contribution.
Dr Mohammad Habibu Yalwa also appealed to individuals involved in trafficking to abandon the illegal trade, describing trafficking in persons as a grave crime that violates human rights, destroys lives and attracts severe legal consequences.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with NAPTIP and other partners to protect vulnerable persons, rescue victims and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted.
Speaking during the event, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammad Bello, described human trafficking as a serious crime that violates human dignity and poses a threat to national security. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the activities of trafficking syndicates, noting that women, children and young people are often deceived with promises of employment, marriage opportunities and better lives abroad, only to end up in forced prostitution, domestic servitude or forced labour.
CP Bello further warned against trafficking networks allegedly operating under the guise of religious pilgrimages and irregular migration, stressing that such practices expose victims to abuse, exploitation and life-threatening conditions. He called on community leaders, religious leaders and civil society organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to curb the menace.
Officials of NAPTIP and partner organisations reiterated their commitment to strengthening collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute offenders.
The awareness rally featured a road walk through major streets of Gusau, with participants carrying placards bearing messages such as “Stop Human Trafficking,” “I Was Forced into Prostitution,” and “Protect the Vulnerable, End Human Trafficking.”
COV/AMINU DALHATU
