By Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo

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National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Osogbo Zonal Command has warned that there was no hiding place for human traffickers in Osun state.
He stressed that the amended law of 2015 which states that there was no option of fine for convicted traffickers was very much in place.
The zonal commander, Saadu Mustapha gave the warning during a courtesy visit to NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo.
Mustapha, who was newly appointed to Osogbo Zonal command covering Kwara, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states positioned that the media was a major stakeholder in the eradication of human trafficking.
He noted that the agency was established in 2003 as federal government response to the global fight against human trafficking.
Explaining the strategies and activities of NAPTIP, the commander stated that they prosecute offenders and rescue victims, as well as organising public enlightenment programmes on the dangers of human trafficking.
He said, “we employ prosecution strategy in performing our duties. Here, there are two departments –legal and prosecution unit; investigation and monitoring unit. “
“We go after the traffickers, arrest them and rescue victims. They are investigated and prosecuted based on their offenses. The files are passed to the legal department and charged to court. There are 13 ongoing cases out of 28 cases reported this year while 43 victims have been rescued.
“Before 2015, the act had provision for option of fine, since 2015 the act has been strengthened, there is no option for fine again. We have jail terms for various categories.”
Speaking on the survivors of human trafficking, the zonal commander stated that they are trained, certified and empowered to earn a living and add value to the society.
“The survivors are rehabilitated and put in shelters, they have access to social workers, medical personnel, counsellors, psychologists to see to their needs while we go after the traffickers.”