The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Thursday, commenced a 2-day training for 100 officers on anti-human trafficking, irregular migration and child protection in Ogun.
The training was held at the NSCDC state headquarters, Kobape road, Abeokuta.
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The State Commandant, NSCDC Hammed Abodunrin, at the opening ceremony, said that the training was aimed at equipping officers and men of the command with necessary skills in discharging their duties.
He explained further that the training had become necessary because “an abandoned, the unprotected and untrained child would not grow to become a responsible citizen; while a society that harbours people without traces endangers itself’’.
Quoting a figure from the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Abodunrin stated that the sum of 14.1 trillion dollars was spent globally in 2018 to combat violence.
“This situation no doubt is as a result of our actions on this planet, including the vices of trafficking, irregular migration and failure to protect our children,” he said.
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The commandant noted that the recent Federal Government’s decision to restrict movements across the nation’s borders showed how certain criminals had been exploiting the situation to perpetrate all manner of illegalities.
“Also, the recent window of opportunity given to foreigners to regulate their stay by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), again has revealed a lot going by the number of people that queue up daily for the exercise.
“No doubt, all hands must be on deck to check this twin menace of trafficking and illegal movement of people across borders.
“This workshop, therefore, is expected to build the capacity of participants in addressing trafficking and illegal movement of people across our borders, with a view to engendering a better and safer Nigeria,” he said.
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The commandant explained that each of the trainees would later train two or three officers in various divisions of the NSCDC, to enhance the capacity of the agency in combating the vices.
He announced plans by the agency to commence peace and security education for members of the public to raise protection awareness.
“The CG, who has declared that public safety was paramount, has equally supported the enlightenment, training and education with necessary equipment and mobility, to reach even the remotest part of any community in Nigeria.
“In Ogun, the command will commence such training, which will be free for various sectors including the media, school children, teachers and community development associations among others.
“Our trained officers will move to the nooks and crannies of the state to create awareness; Help Desks will subsequently be established in the 20 local government areas (LGA’s) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) of the state.
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“This is to help the public deal with issues relating to the vices,” he said.
Instructors at the training include officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Child Protection Network of Nigeria (CPN).
