Kogi Security Agencies Join Anti-Trafficking Walk »

Security agencies in Kogi State have joined forces to raise public awareness against human trafficking, exploitation and deceptive recruitment schemes as part of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking.

The Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) participated in an awareness walk through Lokoja, calling for greater vigilance and public cooperation in tackling trafficking and related crimes.

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

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 (GCCF).

The participation of the security and enforcement agencies stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely information in preventing trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable persons.

The Nigerian Immigration Service used the campaign to reinforce the need for vigilance around suspicious travel arrangements and recruitment offers, particularly those that could expose unsuspecting persons to exploitation.

The Nigeria Police Force also participated in the walk as part of efforts to strengthen public awareness and encourage residents to report suspicious activities that could be connected to trafficking and organised crime.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency joined other stakeholders in sensitising residents on the wider dangers associated with organised criminal activities and the importance of providing relevant information to law enforcement authorities.

The Federal Road Safety Corps and Vehicle Inspection Office also participated in the awareness exercise, contributing to the broader mobilisation of residents and road users around the need to identify and report suspicious activities.

Speaking during the event, the organiser and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking, Hon. Patience Avosuahi, described human trafficking as a major threat to human dignity.

She said traffickers often lure victims with false promises of employment, education and better living opportunities before subjecting them to different forms of exploitation.

Avosuahi said the theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” highlights the deceptive methods used by traffickers to target vulnerable people, particularly women, children and unemployed youths.

She urged residents to remain vigilant, verify suspicious job and travel offers and promptly report suspected cases of trafficking to relevant authorities.

She also stressed that tackling human trafficking requires cooperation between government institutions, security agencies, communities, schools, families, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Participants displayed banners and placards bearing messages such as “Awareness Saves Lives,” “Community Action,” “End Exploitation,” “Protect Dignity” and “Build a Safer World.”

They also echoed the campaign messages, “See Something, Say Something, Stop Something” and “Be the Voice, End the Silence.”

The participating agencies and other stakeholders agreed that sustained public awareness, effective law enforcement, community vigilance and inter-agency cooperation remain essential to preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons in Kogi State.