Abia Moves to Tackle Human Trafficking with New Task Force

Abia Moves to Tackle Human Trafficking with New Task Force

The Abia State Government has taken a major step in the fight against human trafficking with the inauguration of a state task force dedicated to combating the menace.

Governor Alex Otti described the initiative as a decisive response to one of the most pressing social and security challenges facing the state.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, underscores the administration’s renewed commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and curbing human trafficking.

Represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor emphasized that the task force is not a symbolic gesture but a strategic intervention aimed at eradicating the crime.

He noted that human trafficking remains a serious violation of human rights and dignity, with far-reaching consequences for society.

According to him, the crime not only exploits individuals but also weakens the state’s economic base by depriving it of productive citizens,

while encouraging illegal economic activities and distorting labour systems. He described trafficking as both a criminal act and “a betrayal of our shared humanity,” stressing that the government’s response aligns with its vision of inclusive growth and people-centered development.

On the security front, the governor highlighted the connection between trafficking networks and other forms of organized crime, including drug trafficking and exploitation rings.

He said addressing the issue would contribute significantly to strengthening internal security across the state.

He further pointed to the devastating social consequences of human trafficking, such as broken families and disrupted lives, and called for a comprehensive approach that combines enforcement with the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims.

Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., he reminded stakeholders that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

The governor called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders, noting that a coordinated and intelligence-driven strategy is essential for success.

He also assured that the state government would provide the necessary support for the task force, urging members to carry out their duties with integrity, diligence, and empathy

In her remarks, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Adamu Bello, said the inauguration makes Abia the 25th state in Nigeria to establish a NAPTIP-supported task force.

She described human trafficking as a growing global menace and noted that the agency plays a critical role in coordinating efforts to prevent the crime and prosecute offenders, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

However, she identified key operational challenges facing the agency, including inadequate vehicles, limited office space, and insufficient facilities for sheltering and supporting rescued victims—factors she said increase the risk of re-trafficking.

Mrs. Bello commended the Abia State Government for its people-oriented policies and urged sustained collaboration with the task force to ensure it achieves its mandate.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the task force and the state Attorney General, Ikechukwu Uwana, expressed optimism that the initiative would prevent Abia from becoming a haven for traffickers.

He pledged that the state would deploy all legal instruments necessary to ensure the task force operates effectively and delivers on its objectives.