The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has received approval for its operatives to work at the Heathrow and Gatwick Airports in London.

In a press statement on Sunday in Abuja, Mr Josiah Emerole, the Agency's Head of Press and Public Relations, said that the approval was given during high level meetings with officials of the Home Office in London.

According to him, the new partnership would allow NAPTIP to conduct joint operation with security agencies in the United Kingdom at the airports.

He said that the collaboration would facilitate random profiling of passengers with a view to identifying potential victims of trafficking and suspected traffickers.

“The milestone will improve mutual sharing of experience, intelligence and expertise between Nigeria and the UK.

“This is based on the fact that Nigerian potential victims could be better identified by Nigerians after a thorough assessment of indicators of trafficking," Emerole stated.

He said that at various meetings held at the Home Office, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli engaged with the senior officials of the Home Office, led by the Manager, Dave Pennant, Investigation and Prosecution team and officials of the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

She also met officials of the Modern Slavery Unit, Immigration, and the UK Border Force.

According to NAPTIP's spokesman, issues addressed at the meetings included illegal migration, victims care and prosecution of trafficked suspects.

Under the approval, operatives of NAPTIP would work side-by-side with the UK Border Force and other relevant agencies at the two gateways into the United Kingdom.

“This measure was part of the Director-General’s partnership drive and in furtherance of her vision towards making NAPTIP a big player in counter-trafficking initiatives across the globe," he said. (NAN)

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