Jul 31, 2026

Kogi Police Rally Public Against Human Trafficking on World Day

By Afolai Olaiya Idowu in news

👁️ loading views...

Lokoja, Kogi State – July 31, 2026 — The Kogi State Police Command on Thursday marked the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with a high-visibility sensitization walk and public awareness rally across Lokoja metropolis, calling on residents to join the fight against the growing crime.

The event, organized through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking, was held under this year’s global theme “Trapped Behind the Scam.”

The theme highlights how transnational criminal networks increasingly trap victims into forced criminality, particularly online scam operations.

Police officers, POCACOV advocates, partner agencies, youth groups, students, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders marched through major streets in the state capital, displaying advocacy banners and sharing messages on the deceptive tactics used by traffickers.

Participants educated the public on how traffickers lure vulnerable people—especially young persons—with false promises of employment, education, migration opportunities, or high-paying jobs abroad, only to exploit them.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, used the occasion to restate the command’s determination to tackle human trafficking through sustained public enlightenment, intelligence-led policing, strategic partnerships, prompt investigation, and diligent prosecution of offenders.

“Human trafficking remains a grave violation of human rights that exploits vulnerable persons through false promises of employment, education, migration, and other seemingly attractive opportunities,” CP Kankarofi said.

He urged parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, educational institutions, and the general public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately.

Young people were specifically advised to thoroughly verify any opportunity before making life-changing decisions.

The Kogi State Police Command emphasized that increased awareness and timely information from the public remain critical to preventing victimization and dismantling trafficking networks.

The Command pledged to continue strengthening partnerships, protecting vulnerable persons, and intensifying efforts against human trafficking and related crimes across the state.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Command on 08107899269 or to the nearest police station.

As the world focuses attention on the evolving face of trafficking—particularly the rise of scam-related forced criminality—the Kogi Police message was clear: prevention starts with awareness, vigilance, and community cooperation.