UNITED FOR PROTECTION: "INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR MIGRATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT (ICMPD) STORMS ABRAKA, MOBILIZES SECURITY AGENCIES, MEDIA AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AS COMMUNITY REPORTING SYSTEM TAKES OFF AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING!"
By Sarah Obomure
The fight against human trafficking received another significant boost in Abraka as ICMPD through Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP) extended its awareness, education and community-based intervention to Abraka and and its environs on the 24th of Sept 2026.
The engagement, which formed part of STEAP's broader anti-trafficking campaign, was designed to strengthen knowledge, prevention, early identification, reporting and community response to Trafficking in Human Beings (THB).
STEAP is being implemented across five states—Edo, Enugu, Benue, Delta and Ogun, identified as states experiencing significant human-trafficking challenges. The project is funded by the Government of the Netherlands and implemented 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 Ministry of Education and Hope Health Organization (HHO), theCivil Society Organization implemeting the STEAP Project in the state.
The one-day training , held at Regent Ville Hotel, Abraka, brought together relevant security agencies, community stakeholders and media practitioners for a capacity-building session focused on improving responses to trafficking and establishing effective community reporting mechanisms.
The programme commenced with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by a welcome address delivered by Mr. Stanley Osajie, CSO Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.
Participants subsequently undertook a pre-test, designed to assess their existing knowledge and understanding of human trafficking before the commencement of the technical sessions.
Presenting the training objectives, Mr Nwaefulu Matthew, CSO project Officer, said the fight against human trafficking required the collective efforts of individuals, communities, institutions and government agencies.
He explained that the programme was aimed at strengthening participants’ ability to identify indicators of Trafficking in Human Beings, while also establishing a community-based reporting system through the appointment of community focal persons.
A major highlight of the programme was a detailed presentation on Understanding Trafficking in Human Beings (THB), which was followed by an interactive session that allowed participants to ask questions, share experiences and examine practical challenges associated with trafficking prevention, identification and reporting within their communities.
The seminar also featured an important presentation on Prevention and Community-Based Reporting Mechanisms, emphasizing the need for communities to become more vigilant and proactive in identifying and reporting suspected cases of trafficking.
Leading the Community Action and Planning Session, Miss Oluwakemi Omotoso, CSO Project Coordinator, engaged participants on practical approaches to strengthening community structures and developing sustainable mechanisms for responding to trafficking-related concerns.
Questions and concerns raised by participants were addressed by Mr. Ajawobu Phillip, CSO Project Finance Officer, and Mr. Nwaefulu Matthew, CSO Project Officer, providing further clarification on the project's objectives, implementation and community engagement strategy.
COMMUNITY REPORTING SYSTEM INAUGURATED
One of the most significant moments of the seminar was the inauguration of a Community Reporting System, bringing together key agencies and community stakeholders who will play important roles in identifying, escalating and responding to suspected trafficking cases.
The agencies and stakeholder groups represented included:
1. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
2. Vigilante Group
3. Nigeria Police Force (NPF)
4. Nigeria Federal Fire Service (NFSS)
5. Nigeria Federal Fire Service (NFSS) – Area Command
6. Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)
7. Department of State Services (DSS)
8. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
9. Abraka Community Leaders
10. Anti-Cult Group and
11. The Media /Correspondents.
The inauguration represents an important step towards building a more coordinated community-level response, where information concerning suspected trafficking activities can be identified and appropriately channelled to relevant authorities.
Beyond the classroom and seminar hall, the initiative underscores the importance of community vigilance, responsible reporting, inter-agency collaboration and public awareness in tackling human trafficking.
The engagement at Abraka therefore goes beyond a one-day seminar.
It represents part of a broader effort to equip schools, communities, security agencies and the media with the knowledge and structures required to recognize trafficking risks, protect vulnerable persons and strengthen reporting pathways.
As the STEAP Project continues its intervention across Edo, Enugu, Benue, Delta and Ogun States, the message remains clear: combating human trafficking requires more than enforcement, it requires informed communities, responsive institutions, responsible media and a coordinated reporting system.
Together, through awareness, vigilance and collective action, communities can help prevent trafficking, protect potential victims and support safer environments for children and vulnerable persons.
