NAPTIP Warns Parents Against Fake Overseas Opportunities As Anti-Trafficking Campaign Begins in Bayelsa
By Ebis Freeman, YENAGOA — The Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has cautioned parents and guardians to be wary of individuals promising to secure better opportunities for their children abroad or in major cities, warning that many of such offers are deceptive and often lead to human trafficking.
The warning was issued by the Bayelsa State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs. Ngozi Opara, during a 30-minute live radio programme on Royal FM 95.5, Agudama, Yenagoa, held as part of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, scheduled for July 30.
Speaking on the global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” Mrs. Opara explained that traffickers frequently lure unsuspecting families with false promises of quality education, lucrative jobs and improved living conditions, only to subject their victims to exploitation, forced labour, sexual abuse and other forms of human rights violations.
She urged parents to thoroughly investigate anyone seeking to take their children away under the guise of offering a brighter future, stressing that vigilance remains one of the strongest weapons against human trafficking.
According to the Commander, combating trafficking requires collective responsibility, with communities, parents, schools, religious bodies and other stakeholders playing active roles in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
The live radio programme formed part of NAPTIP’s public sensitisation campaign ahead of the annual global observance and provided listeners with practical information on recognising trafficking tactics and protecting vulnerable persons.
At the end of the programme, the Command’s dedicated hotline and official email address were made available to members of the public, encouraging the prompt reporting of suspected cases of human trafficking and related offences for immediate investigation and intervention.
The Bayelsa State Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying public awareness, strengthening community partnerships and enforcing laws against human trafficking as it joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
