NAPTIP warns of rising trafficking of Malian girls
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sounded an alarm about the trafficking of Malian girls into the Edo capital for prostitution.
The agency reported that intelligence revealed an increasing number of victims being trafficked from Mali into Benin for exploitative purposes.
This marks a concerning shift in the trafficking dynamics, as Mali was previously known as one of the destinations for trafficked Nigerian girls.
READ ALSO: NAPTIP rescues 150 victims of human trafficking in Katsina
Reports indicated that over 20,000 Nigerian girls were once stranded in Mali, where they fell victim to trafficking. The modus operandi involved Malian men reportedly willing to spend exorbitant amounts to engage with Nigerian girls for exploitative activities.
NAPTIP Commander for the Benin Zonal Office, Mr. Nduka Nwawenene, addressed the issue during a Road Walk organized by NAPTIP to commemorate the 2023 World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat trafficking, particularly the exploitation and organ harvesting of Persons with Disabilities.
“Unfortunately, we lack the exact statistics of hearing-impaired persons already trafficked, but some have come forward to reveal they were trafficked and subjected to domestic labour and other forms of exploitation. As we bring them into our fold, NAPTIP will work to rescue and rehabilitate them,” said Nwawenene.
“The event was supported by key stakeholders, including the International Organisation for Migration and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. The theme for the 2023 celebration is “Reach every victim of trafficking, Leave no-one behind.”