Anti-trafficking agency, advocates have raised alarm over the increasing use of technology and social media by human traffickers who disguise themselves as philanthropists, scholarship providers, or romantic partners to lure unsuspecting victims, particularly children and young women.
This was disclosed by Joy Anang, Head of the Public Enlightenment Unit at The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Rivers State Command, during a road walk held in Port Harcourt to mark the 2025 United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Anang revealed that cases of child trafficking are especially prevalent in the state, with more reports being received daily. However, she noted that many victims are often reluctant to come forward due to fear and lack of awareness.
“Many people don’t even understand what trafficking is. It is modern-day slavery. We handle several cases daily, and trafficking is on the rise.”
She explained that NAPTIP has a dedicated investigation department empowered to carry out surveillance, arrest suspects, and prosecute offenders.
“We arrest suspects, carry out our investigations and prosecute them in court, for survivors we no longer call them victims, we have shelters and provide counseling and rehabilitation. We also do family tracing before reintegrating them into society,” she said.
She emphasized that NAPTIP maintains confidentiality in handling cases and encouraged members of the public to report trafficking incidents without fear of exposure.
Anang also raised concern over emerging trends in human trafficking, including organ harvesting and baby factories.
“People now go to buy babies under the guise of adoption, not knowing that only the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation is legally authorized to approve adoptions.”
Also speaking during the event, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Rivers State, Tamunoibuemi Life-JimGeorge, cautioned parents and guardians to be vigilant, especially during the holidays.
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“Parents must be watchful. Don’t trust neighbors who bring your children biscuits. That may be the last time you see your child,” she warned.
She highlighted the highly organized nature of human trafficking networks, describing them as multi-layered syndicates. Noting that traffickers often present themselves online as offering free scholarships or financial support, only to later exploit their victims.
“Traffickers disguise as friends, health workers, or religious people. Some use the internet, pretending to offer scholarships or love. But their true aim is manipulation, requesting nude pictures, posting them online, and blackmailing victims, they begin to exploit the victims, sometimes introducing them to drugs.
She also warned that this new trend makes it easier for traffickers to target vulnerable individuals, especially those looking to escape poverty. The use of online platforms and fake identities allows predators to gain trust and access to their victims under false pretenses.
Other stakeholders, including the Police, Army, Navy, EFCC, and NGOs, have pledged continued collaboration in the fight against human trafficking.
Participants at the event called on members of the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in ending the crime.
This year’s theme for the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is: “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime: Stop the Exploitation.”
