The fight against human trafficking took centre stage in Delta State as hundreds of residents joined a mega road walk in Asaba to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with stakeholders warning that criminal networks are increasingly using digital platforms to lure unsuspecting victims.
The awareness campaign, organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Delta State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other partners, drew participants from government agencies, civil society organisations, security agencies, youth groups and faith-based organisations.
Participants marched from the Stephen Keshi Stadium through major streets of Asaba to the InterBau Roundabout beneath the Summit Flyover, displaying placards bearing messages such as “Don’t Let False Promises Steal Your Future,” “Say No to Human Trafficking,” “Human Trafficking Hides Behind False Promises,” and “Exploitation Ends Where Awareness Begins.” Flyers were also distributed to motorists, commuters and passers-by to educate the public on the dangers of trafficking and irregular migration.
Speaking during the campaign, Delta State STEAP Project Officer of ICMPD, Ijeoma David-Ukoko, described human trafficking as a persistent global and national challenge that requires sustained public awareness and collective action.
She noted that many people still do not fully understand how traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals through deception, stressing that awareness campaigns remain critical in helping citizens identify warning signs and protect potential victims.
David-Ukoko emphasised that the fight against trafficking should extend beyond annual commemorations, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and support survivors through protection, rehabilitation and respect for their dignity.
She explained that while many trafficking cases involve cross-border movement, numerous victims are also trafficked within Nigeria, making community vigilance more important than ever.
Reaffirming ICMPD’s commitment to combating human trafficking, she pledged continued collaboration with government agencies and development partners to strengthen advocacy, prevention strategies and victim-centred interventions.
Also addressing participants, Secretary of the Delta State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwanze, warned that traffickers are increasingly exploiting social media and other digital platforms to deceive victims with fake job offers, scholarships and fraudulent relationships.
She said this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” reflects the growing sophistication of online recruitment methods used by trafficking syndicates.
According to her, traffickers prey on vulnerable people with promises of better opportunities before subjecting them to forced labour, sexual exploitation, organ harvesting and internet fraud.
Mrs. Nwanze urged young people to verify online opportunities, avoid suspicious offers and remain alert while navigating digital spaces.
“The message is simple: be vigilant, stay informed and stay safe online. Public awareness remains one of the strongest weapons in the fight against human trafficking,” she said.
Director of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Diocese of Issele-Uku, Rev. Fr. John Bosco, described human trafficking as a grave violation of human dignity and fundamental rights.
He called on Nigerians to unite against both digital and conventional trafficking schemes, stressing that every individual deserves dignity, respect and equal protection.
The cleric urged citizens to promptly report suspicious activities capable of exposing vulnerable persons to exploitation, noting that collective vigilance is essential to dismantling trafficking networks.
Also speaking, Delta State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, warned that many victims unknowingly fall into the hands of traffickers while pursuing opportunities abroad through fake online migration channels.
She stressed that access to accurate information remains the first line of defence against trafficking and irregular migration, urging prospective migrants to verify all travel opportunities through legitimate authorities before embarking on journeys overseas.
Mrs. Ikolomi, who also serves on the Reintegration Committee under the International Organization for Migration, maintained that public enlightenment must remain continuous to help citizens distinguish between safe migration pathways and trafficking.
She noted that awareness campaigns such as the road walk are vital in protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation.
Residents and commuters commended ICMPD, the Delta State Government and partner organisations for taking the anti-trafficking campaign directly to the streets, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
The peaceful road walk featured participation from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Red Cross, faith-based organisations, legal bodies, youth associations, migrant returnees, ministries, charities and numerous civil society organisations, all united in the campaign to end human trafficking through awareness, prevention and collective action.
