NAPTIP Boss Harps on Grassroots Awareness Against Child Trafficking and Abuse in Bayelsa
The Bayelsa State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ngozi Opara, has called for intensified grassroots awareness to curb the rising threat of child trafficking and abuse in the state.
Speaking during a sensitization campaign at Government Secondary School, Ovom on February 18, 2026, Mrs. Opara stressed that prevention begins with education and community vigilance. She noted that students and teachers are critical stakeholders in the fight against trafficking, as young people are often the primary targets of exploiters.
According to her, traffickers frequently lure victims with false promises of employment, scholarships, and improved living conditions, only to subject them to exploitation and abuse. She urged students to be cautious of suspicious offers and to promptly report any unusual movements or approaches to the agency.
“Awareness at the grassroots level is our strongest weapon. When students, teachers, and community members are informed, traffickers lose their ground,” she said.
Mrs. Opara further encouraged teachers to pay close attention to sudden behavioral changes among students, which may indicate vulnerability or exposure to exploitation. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to responding swiftly to credible reports and protecting victims.
As part of the outreach, the NAPTIP team distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to enhance understanding of child trafficking, child abuse, and Violence Against Persons (VAP). The interactive session also allowed students to ask questions and share concerns.
The school community welcomed the initiative and pledged to collaborate with NAPTIP in promoting a safer environment for children across Bayelsa State.
The sensitization campaign forms part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive measures and deepen public engagement in the fight against human trafficking and related crimes.
