Wednesday July 02, 2025

By Eno EDEM

Two indigenes of Akwa Ibom state who were intercepted by officials of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons, NAPTIP, en route Libya, were on Monday, June 30, 2025, handed over to Akwa Ibom State Government for rehabilitation and re-integration.

This was contained in a release issued by the media unit of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, on Wednesday, July 2.

The victims who are both females from Mbo Local Government Area were rescued by NAPTIP operatives from the Abuja headquarters of the agency on the 20th of March, 2025.

According to NAPTIP, the two victims were reportedly trafficked for Libya, but were later intercepted by the agency’s operatives on surveillance.

Receiving the victims on behalf of the State Government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, thanked NAPTIP for ensuring effective collaboration with the State Government in the fight against trafficking of persons, particularly young girls by some unscrupulous elements in the society.

Hon. Etukudo who promised to enroll the girls in schools by September this year, advised them to exhibit good behaviours while in the State Government’s custody, assuring them of rehabilitation and re-integration with their respective families.

“In our home, nobody is stubborn; we have obedient children. I demand that you become very obedient if you must stay with us. By September, we will enroll you in school.” She said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Margaret Edem urged the victims to consider their placement as a fresh opportunity to shape their future with the support and resources provided by the State Government.

Earlier, the Uyo Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Ekwere Ubong, said the victims were handed over for empowerment and possible reunion with their families to prevent re-trafficking.

He commended the State Government for its dedication in lending support to trafficking victims and reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment at combating human trafficking in the state.

In attendance at the handing over event were Directors in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and NAPTIP officials.