NSCDC FCT Commandant, Odumosu Charges Strengthening Digital Intelligence To Curb Trafficking, Rescues 80 Victims
By Trek Africa Newspaper
NSCDC FCT Commandant, Odumosu Charges Strengthening Digital Intelligence To Curb Trafficking, Rescues 80 Victims
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Olusola Odumosu, PhD, has called for strengthening capacity of investigators, and intelligence officers to use lawful digital intelligence, data analysis, online monitoring and other appropriate technological tools to identify trafficking patterns and networks.
Odumosu, made the call in a ceremony to commemorate this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons organised by the NSCDC FCT Command Anti Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration Unit in collaboration with National Agency for the prohibition of trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) at the Command headquarters Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
The theme of the event ” human trafficking and technology: Trends, challenges and security approach “, is particularly timely.
” Human trafficking is not simply a social problem, it is a serious security, economic, human rights and development challenge, traffickers prey on vulnerability
they exploit poverty, unemployment, ignorance, displacement, family differences and legitimate aspirations of young people seeking education, employment and better opportunities”, Odumosu stated.
The FCT helmsman disclosed that in the last three years, the FCT Command has rescued 80 victims of human trafficking and other related matters, arrested 35 suspects, successfully handed 32 rescued victims to NAPTIP.
According to him, technology has transformed virtually every aspect of modern life including communication, commerce, education, transportation and social interactions, adding that unfortunately, the same technological tools that have brought enormous benefit to the society are increasingly being exploited by traffickers to recruit, deceive, transport, control and exploit vulnerable persons.
He noted that digital environment has fundamentally altered the operating methods of traffickers , stating that social media platforms, instant messaging, gaming environments and other digital spaces can provide traffickers with access to potential victims on an unprecedented scale.
” We must recognise that the fight against trafficking has entered the digital battlefield, criminal networks can adopt new platforms and tools faster than institutions can develop appropriate investigative capacity”.
Odumosu, identified challenges confronting security agencies to include rapid evolution of technology, digital anonymity, cross – border nature of cyber – enabled trafficking, digital evidence, victim identification and challenge of public awareness stating that these challenges demand that security response must evolve from traditional approach to intelligence – led, technology – driven and victim – centred policing and security management.
” Our response must be based on strong inter- agency collaboration particularly among the NSCDC, NAPTIP, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration service, the economic and financial crimes Commission, the Federal Road Safety Corps, relevant intelligence agencies and other stakeholders”.
The Commandant urged his personnel to remain vigilant at transportion corridors, public spaces, critical infrastructure and other vulnerable locations where traffickers may operate.
The FCT Boss, urged parents to understand what their children do online, schools to teach digital safety, religious and traditional institutions to raise awareness, government to strengthen employment and empowerment opportunities.
Highlights of the ceremony graced by Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders, were presentations by students of ECWA Hills Academy, Abuja and an award to the FCT Boss by the organisers.
Signed
DSC Monica Ojobi
FCT CDPRO.
