Through the partnership, the state government had donated office space to the state command of the NAPTIP recently in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking on the development, on Monday, the Country Project Manager of Expertise France, Mr Benjamin Eneanya, stated that the partnership will enhance the agency’s capacity to effectively combat human trafficking in the state.
He disclosed that with the new state command office equipped with modern facilities to support NAPTIP’s operations, including investigation, prosecution, and victims’ rehabilitation, efforts of the NAPTIP in the fight against human trafficking would be boosted.
“The renovation of the office (of the Ondo State Command of NAPTIP) is aimed at providing a conducive working environment for NAPTIP operatives,” the country project manager stated.
The Zonal Commander of the agency, Mr Chinedu Ajaegbu, said the development will enable NAPTIP to strengthen its presence in the state and collaborate more effectively with authorities and stakeholders.
According to him, collaboration with international partners, the state government, and other stakeholders in combating the scourge would go a long way in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
The Ondo State Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Taiwo Adegboyega, said that with the renovated office space, which was donated by the state government, a number of cases had been attended to by the agency in the state since the commencement of operations.
Adegboyega disclosed that some victims of human trafficking had been rescued in the state, with their rehabilitation ongoing before releasing them to their families. He, however, did not disclose the number of victims rescued.
He said, “We came on board fully on November 13, 2023, realising that Ondo State is endemic when it comes to the issue of human trafficking. We have seen cases of human trafficking here.
“Due to the serious fight against human trafficking in Edo State, traffickers tend to relocate to neighbouring states of Edo, of which Ondo State is one. That is why the agency deemed it fit to move to Ondo State in order to ensure that traffickers have no hiding place.”
