On the 22nd July 2026, ASATTAHIR International Foundation (AIF) participated in the Community Engagement and Awareness Campaign on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) in border communities across Sokoto State.
Organized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), with support from UNODC and IOM,
The series of engagements from 20–22 July 2026, brought together government institutions, such as NAPTIP, the Nigeria Immigration Service and civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, youth led organizations, representatives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and community members.
Delivering goodwill message, AIF’s Founder, Aliyu Sidi Attahiru, MBA, FICRPC, commended the leadership of NACTAL, led by its President, Mr. Abdulganiyu Abubakar, as well as the National Human Rights Commission, for bringing the important engagement to Sokoto State.
He noted that the campaign aligns with AIF’s humanitarian and community protection interventions and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting collaborative efforts aimed at preventing trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants across vulnerable communities.
The activity was highly interactive and featured expert presentations, panel discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and experience-sharing by stakeholders. Participants deepened their understanding of the causes, patterns, risks, and consequences of trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants.
They also learned about early warning signs, victims’ rights, referral pathways, the roles of communities in prevention, and the importance of coordinated action among government agencies, civil society, and local leaders.
A major takeaway from the engagement was the need to strengthen community awareness, encourage timely reporting of suspected cases, protect vulnerable groups, and foster stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to prevent trafficking and migrant smuggling in border communities.
Together, through awareness, collaboration, and collective action, we can build safer and more resilient communities.
