The Kwara Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched a sensitisation campaign in partnership with the Media Campaign Against Human Trafficking (MeCAHT) to educate key stakeholders on the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration. The initiative particularly targets teachers and students across Kwara State.
NAPTIP State Commander, Mr. Mustapha Ajara, made this known on Thursday in Ilorin during an inception meeting with representatives from the education and security sectors.
Ajara explained that the programme focuses on training teachers, who will in turn educate students on the risks associated with human trafficking and irregular migration.
“We observed that this issue needs to be addressed from the grassroots. That is why this partnership with MeCAHT is essential,” he said.
He added that the project is currently being implemented in only three states—Kwara, Benue, and Nasarawa—with Kwara selected as a pilot location.
Ajara emphasised the need to educate children, particularly those aged 13 to 18, on the deceptive tactics traffickers use to lure victims.
“Human traffickers make the process appear attractive. Many victims realise too late that they have fallen into danger,” he warned.
He noted that the campaign aims to empower young people to recognise and resist trafficking attempts while spreading awareness within their communities.
Ajara further explained that teachers selected for the training would be mid-career educators with several years left in service to ensure continuity and sustainability of the initiative.
“The idea is to train teachers who can pass this knowledge to successive generations of students,” he said.
The inception meeting, Ajara added, was aimed at sensitising stakeholders ahead of the actual teacher training, scheduled to begin on November 17. He also highlighted the ongoing threat of human trafficking and irregular migration as serious social and economic challenges nationwide.
“Many people are unaware of the dangers, and some still believe migration through illegal means is worth the risk,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society groups, and communities to combat human trafficking.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Caroline Imabon, Programme Officer for the Safe Means Project under MeCAHT, said the initiative is supported by the Shared Foundation. She explained that the project seeks to protect individuals from the risks of irregular migration and human trafficking through sustained awareness and education.
“Many people migrate without proper documentation or use unauthorised routes, which often leads to smuggling or trafficking,” Imabon said.
She added that numerous Nigerians have been trafficked both domestically and internationally, including to Europe, with victims often suffering trauma, physical harm, and long-term psychosocial challenges.
Imabon said teachers in selected Kwara schools will receive training on the realities of irregular migration, trafficking, and preventive strategies.
“These teachers will cascade the knowledge to students, who will share it with their families and communities, multiplying the impact,” she said.
She emphasised that information is empowerment, and raising awareness can protect more Nigerians from unsafe migration and exploitation.
“Combating human trafficking requires collective action. That is why MeCAHT engages critical stakeholders across education, migration, and anti-trafficking sectors. Together, through shared responsibility, we can build safer pathways for citizens and eliminate human trafficking in our society,” Imabon concluded.
