By Kene Ofomah, Awka
The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development (CSONetMaDe), security agencies and other stakeholders, has intensified efforts to combat human trafficking through a public awareness campaign in Awka.
The campaign, held to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam,” featured participation from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, FIDA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NACTAL and other partners.
Leading the exercise, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, reaffirmed the state’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and pledged continued collaboration with organisations working to protect vulnerable persons.
Anambra CSONetMaDe and NACTAL Coordinator, Eucharia Onyemaobi, urged families and youths to be wary of deceptive promises of jobs and better opportunities abroad, warning that traffickers often exploit ignorance and desperation.
FIDA Chairperson, Barr. Amara Muojeke, encouraged residents to report suspected trafficking cases to relevant authorities, noting that recent rescue operations in the state were made possible through timely public information.
She also urged young people to embrace legitimate empowerment programmes such as the state’s One Youth, Two Skills initiative.
The Head of the NSCDC Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Deputy Commandant Edith Ebere Nwufoh, called on transport operators and the public to report suspicious movements of children and young persons, stressing that prevention, prosecution and partnership remain essential to ending human trafficking.
Participants urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject fraudulent offers that could expose them to exploitation.
Tags: Anambra, Human Trafficking, CSONetMaDe, NSCDC, Awareness Campaign
