Save the Child Initiative (STCI) has participated in a community engagement and awareness campaign aimed at preventing trafficking in persons (TIP) and the smuggling of migrants (SOM) in border communities across Sokoto State.
The three-day campaign,was organised by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The engagement brought together key stakeholders, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, youth groups, representatives of persons with disabilities and members of border communities.
The campaign was led by the President of NACTAL, Mr. Abdulganiyu Abubakar, in collaboration with officials of the National Human Rights Commission.
Participants took part in expert presentations, panel discussions, interactive question-and-answer sessions and experience-sharing aimed at deepening understanding of the root causes, emerging trends, risks and consequences of trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants.
The sessions also provided practical knowledge on identifying early warning signs of trafficking, protecting victims’ rights, understanding referral pathways and strengthening community-based prevention mechanisms.
Speakers emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, security institutions, traditional and religious leaders and local communities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
At the end of the engagement, participants pledged to intensify public awareness, encourage the timely reporting of suspected trafficking and migrant smuggling cases, strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups and enhance collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard border communities.
The organisers expressed optimism that sustained community engagement and coordinated action would contribute to reducing trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling while promoting safer and more resilient communities across Sokoto State.