The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has strengthened ties with Cross Country Transport to combat human trafficking.
The Deputy Director Legal and Prosecution Department, NAPTIP, Mrs Ijeoma Amugo, during a visit to Cross Country Transport in Lagos on Saturday said the agency would explore all avenues to track human traffickers.
Amugo said the agency’s partnership with transport companies was facilitated by the Canadian Government through its consultant, Ark Group .
She said the agency believed that the collaboration with Cross Country Transport was pivotal to stem the tide of human trafficking.
”This is because transport companies are the first responders, as they are always on the road because of the 24/7 service they render to the populace.
”Some of the suspects use the services of the transport lines to traffick their victims, so the need for this collaboration,” she said
She said the drivers, passengers and the transport line stakeholders would be taught the signs displayed by victims of traffickers and how to rescue them .
Amugo said NAPTIP and its strong external partners could rescue victims and arrest suspects anywhere.
She said, “On identifing a victim or suspect of human trafficking, call 627 which is a toll-free line or hotline 07030000203.
“The agency has rapid response team already positioned around to move once contacted.”
The Chief Operating Officer, Cross Country Transport, Mr Emmanuel Cole, said that it was imperative for the company to give maximum cooperation to enable NAPTIP achieve its mission.
Cole said that there would be thorough check of the passengers in order to preempt any human trafficking plans going forward.
He said the company had sensitised the drivers on human trafficking issues in order to maintain good name of the transport line.
“However, with the visit of NAPTIP, the company would step up the level of awareness among its stakeholders,” he said.
