Edo drops in human trafficking statistics-NAPTIP Zonal Commander

Benin City, Nigeria. June 23, 2025… The Zonal Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Tafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Edo Zonal Command, Barr. Sam Offiah has disclosed that Edo State has dropped in human trafficking ranking amongst states in Nigeria.

Barr Offiah made the disclosure when he received in audience, a delegation from the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, led by its Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Leo Atakpu.

“Your visit is an eye-opener and a welcome development. Be assured that NAPTIP’s doors are always open to ANEEJ. It is encouraging to see organisations like ANEEJ helping to stem crime in Edo State. As a result of these joint interventions, Edo State is now being gradually rated low in cases of human trafficking,” he noted.

The visit was aimed at formally welcoming the new Zonal Commander, Barr. Offiah Sam, to Benin City, and exploring areas of collaboration—particularly in the implementation of ANEEJ’s Brighter Futures Project.

In his remarks, Comrade Leo Atakpu introduced the ANEEJ delegation and expressed appreciation to the Zonal Commander for granting the audience despite his busy schedule. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between both organisations and their history of collaboration on projects addressing human trafficking and irregular migration.

“We are here to identify with your new leadership and to seek continuous collaboration with the agency,” said Atakpu.

In response, Barr. Offiah Sam welcomed the ANEEJ team and appreciated the visit, which he described as timely and strategic. He reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to deepening its partnership with ANEEJ, particularly through the Crime Prevention Steering Group (CPSG) structure of the Brighter Futures Project.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, a brief speech presentation, and a group photograph.

Recall, that the Brighter Futures project is being implemented by ANEEJ in partnership with TAG International with funding support from the UK Home Office.

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