This special edition of the weekly update spotlights human trafficking in the Niger Delta. According to data (see map below), more than 200 human trafficking incidents were reported in the Niger Delta between 2018 and 2020. Recent incidents indicate the growing prevalence of human trafficking in the Niger Delta, including illegal breeding, kidnapping and sale of children for ritualistic purposes, illegal adoption and child labor. For instance, in February 2021, operatives of the Cross River State special security outfit code-named ‘Operation Akpakwu’ reportedly arrested two child trafficking suspects and rescued 35 victims including 24 pregnant women and 11 children in Anantigha, the headquarters of Calabar South LGA, Cross River State. In April, 26 persons including 19 children, a teenager and six women were reportedly rescued from human traffickers during an operation by law enforcement officials in Benin City, the Edo State capital. In June, the police reportedly arrested four child trafficking suspects including a medical doctor and rescued three trafficked children in Awomama community in Oru East LGA, Imo State.
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