Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) are to work at the Heathrow and Gatwick Airports in London temporarily.
The move was the outcome of the meetings between the Director-General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli and officials of the UK Home Office at 2, Marsham street Westminster London on July 4th, to deepen the agency's partnership with its collaborators abroad.
She met with Manager Dave Pennant, Investigation and Prosecution team, NCA - Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit where matters concerning illegal migration, victims care and prosecution of human trafficking offenders were focused.
The DG addressed the relevance of NAPTIP's presence at all the borders and Airports to identify Potential Victims of Trafficking (Pvots) and traffickers for necessary action as other law enforcement agents could not handle it well since it is not their core mandate.
She emphasised the need for NAPTIP trained officers to work with the UK border force at the Heathrow and Gatwick Airports to jointly profile passengers which she believes would yield better results. The DG talked of her commitment to looking into the activities of travel Agencies to ensure that their activities do not aid illicit business of human trafficking and irregular migration.
She also talked of the need to check "family"travels to the UK in the guise of holiday, whereas such children who may not be theirs are intended to be brought in for child labour and other evil intentions. The DG emphasised her resolve to look into many cases that were lost in court on technical grounds with a view to appealing them.
She also addressed the need for continued collaboration and partnership with the UK govt which presently is yielding good results and solicited for more support for the Agency.
A statement signed by NAPTIP Head of Press and Public Relations, Josiah Emerole, stated that the joint operation which will be for a short period will see the operatives of NAPTIP working side by side with the UK Border Force and other relevant Agencies at the two gateways into the United Kingdom.
Linda Ikeji
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