NGO to train 5,000 people on human trafficking and child abuse in FCT

A non-governmental organization, Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Trafficking (MeCAHT), says it has stepped up its efforts to educate and train students on human trafficking prevention.

The initiative aims to educate and train 5,000 people on the prevention of human trafficking in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the Executive Director of MeCAHT, Ikape James Ikape, said the initiative also aims to raise awareness and equip individuals with the skills to combat human trafficking.

He said the effort had garnered wide support from various organizations including educational institutions, stakeholders, NGOs, CSOs and support groups.

Ikape stressed that the program would target over 5,000 students, providing them with information on different forms of human trafficking.

He said this approach was designed to make the content relevant and impactful for junior and senior high school students, thereby promoting deeper understanding and vigilance against human trafficking.

He added that a key part of the initiative is specialized training for educators to recognize the signs of trafficking and understand the manipulation tactics of traffickers.

Ikape emphasized that this training is essential because educators interact directly with students and can quickly identify and address potential trafficking situations.

He also said the initiative includes developing compelling short stories and success stories of trafficking survivors.

“These stories will be shared with educators to help them understand real-life experiences and integrate these narratives into their educational programs,” Ikape said.

He said collaboration with law enforcement is another critical part of this initiative. These agencies will receive joint training with educators, fostering a cooperative relationship ensuring rapid action and support in trafficking cases.

Ikape said this partnership aims to improve the overall effectiveness of the initiative by ensuring that all stakeholders are prepared to act decisively and collaboratively.

NAPTIP Deputy Chief Intelligence Advisor Onwugbufor Ebele said the agency recently expanded its mandate to include combating violators of the rights of children and women.