Kogi NGOs, Security Agencies Rally Against Human Trafficking »

Civil society organisations, youth groups and security agencies in Kogi State have joined forces to raise awareness against human trafficking and exploitation as part of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking.

The organisations participated in an awareness walk through Lokoja, using the campaign to educate residents on the dangers of trafficking, deceptive recruitment schemes and other forms of exploitation.

The walk, held under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam,” commenced from Paparanda Square, passed through New Layout and ended at the Government House.

Among the organisations that participated were the Generous Creative Care Foundation (GCCF), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, National Orientation Agency (NOA), AWLA, FIDA, NACTAL, YALI, MOHAB Care Foundation, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, and Challenged Parenthood Network Initiative.

The participating organisations used the walk to reinforce the need for greater public vigilance, community involvement and timely reporting of suspected trafficking activities.

The campaign was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Human Trafficking, Hon. Patience Avosuahi, in collaboration with Avosuahi Global Initiative/Exploitation and the Generous Creative Care Foundation.

Speaking during the event, Avosuahi said human trafficking remained a major threat to human dignity, noting that traffickers often exploit the vulnerabilities of people by offering false promises of employment, education and better living conditions.

She said the theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” was particularly relevant because of the deceptive methods used by traffickers to lure unsuspecting victims, especially women, children and unemployed youths.

Avosuahi urged residents to verify suspicious job and travel offers and report suspected cases to the appropriate authorities.

She stressed that the fight against human trafficking could not be left to government and security agencies alone, calling for the active participation of families, schools, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.

The participating security agencies also used the occasion to encourage residents to remain alert and provide credible information on suspicious movements, recruitment activities and other signs that could indicate trafficking.

The Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Nigerian Immigration Service were among the security institutions that participated in the awareness exercise, highlighting the importance of law enforcement and public cooperation in preventing trafficking and organised crime.

The National Orientation Agency also participated in the campaign, reinforcing the importance of public enlightenment and responsible citizenship in preventing vulnerable persons from falling victim to trafficking networks.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, joined other stakeholders in mobilising young people and drawing attention to the risks faced by unemployed and vulnerable youths who may be targeted through fraudulent employment and travel opportunities.

The Challenged Parenthood Network Initiative and other civil society participants similarly drew attention to the devastating social, psychological and economic consequences of human trafficking on victims and their families.

Throughout the walk, participants displayed banners and placards carrying messages including “Awareness Saves Lives,” “Community Action,” “End Exploitation,” “Protect Dignity” and “Build a Safer World.”

The participants called for sustained collaboration between civil society organisations, security agencies, government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen prevention, improve public awareness and protect vulnerable persons from human trafficking.