The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is collaborating with Vanguard Against Drug Misuse (VGADA) to help victims of trafficking and drug abuse get back on their feet.
Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director-General of NAPTIP, stated this during a visit to the VGADA rehabilitation centre.
Human trafficking, according to Waziri-Azi, is the second most serious transnational crime after narcotics trafficking.
According to the director-general, many persons who were trafficked were also exploited to smuggle narcotics, and the two crimes were interwoven.
“So, what you’re giving, such as trauma therapy, psychological assistance, and rehabilitation programmes, among other things, is exactly what we need.”
The Executive Director, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza said that the centre was set up with the aim to treat drug abusers.
Omeiza said that the NGO was looking forward to engaging international NGOs in funding the centre to make treatment affordable and accessible to victims.
“We want to partner with NAPTIP. You cannot separate drug abuse from some crimes such as human trafficking.
“Some people need rehabilitation not only in terms of drug abuse but in other areas,’’ he said.
“NAPTIP has assisted 18,000 victims of human trafficking since its beginnings.” I believe in assisting individuals for as long as they require it.”