- NAPTIP rescued three human trafficking survivors from Cote d’Ivoire, now housed in Benin City’s shelter, typically staying for six weeks
- NAPTIP empowers survivors; currently, 15 are in training. With IOM’s help, businesses have been opened for former survivors
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued three survivors of human trafficking in Cote d’Ivoire. Barrister Nduka Nwanwenene, the Commander of NAPTIP’s Benin Zonal Office, which oversees operations in Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states, announced this news during a baseline revalidation workshop for the STEAP implementation in Edo schools.
Nwanwenene revealed that the three rescued girls are currently housed in NAPTIP’s shelter in Benin City. He elaborated on the typical process for survivors: “Three days ago, three girls rescued from Ivory Coast arrived at our shelter. Many survivors have stayed in our shelter, typically for about six weeks, depending on their particular cases.”
He recounted a specific case: “There was a lady we rescued from Mali who had been there for 10 years before she was rescued. She stayed in our shelter and has since been reunited with her family. With the help of our partners, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a business has been opened for her.”
Nwanwenene also highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to empower survivors. “Last month, we empowered three survivors. Currently, 15 survivors are undergoing training at our shelter, and when they finish in the next six months, they will also be empowered,” he added.