Edo Intensifies War Against Irregular Migration, Launches Rescue and Reintegration Schemes

The Edo State Government has reinforced its campaign against irregular migration and human trafficking with a series of human-centered policies and rescue operations aimed at protecting its citizens, especially youth, from exploitation abroad.

Speaking on Monday, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has adopted an aggressive and strategic approach to tackling the migration crisis that has long plagued the state.

“No administration in the history of Edo has demonstrated this level of urgency and policy depth in combating human trafficking and irregular migration,” Agazuma stated.

Under Governor Okpebholo’s directive, the state has launched two flagship models: the S³ Model See it, Say it, Sort it which empowers community members to report suspected trafficking cases; and the R³ Model Re-admit, Rehabilitate, Reintegrate, designed to assist returnees with psychosocial care, vocational training, business support, and long-term reintegration.

The Migration Agency is partnering with religious bodies, traditional rulers, NGOs, and international organizations to expand its outreach. Migration desks and field officers have been strategically deployed across all 18 local government areas to improve community engagement and data-driven responses.

To challenge myths around irregular migration, the agency has also launched a comprehensive safe migration education campaign, targeting both potential migrants and returnees with real-life narratives about the dangers of illegal routes.

Agazuma also revealed that the agency has extended its advocacy to over 20 embassies, especially within the European Union, urging reforms to visa policies and calling for more affordable, accessible legal migration pathways.

Significant rescue missions have already been carried out, including the repatriation of Edo girls trafficked to Libya and Burkina Faso. One high-profile case involved the return of a 14-year-old victim with direct support from Governor Okpebholo.

Authorities have also apprehended a traditional priest alleged to be complicit in administering trafficking oaths.

In collaboration with private sector actors, the state is channeling Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) resources into returnee empowerment, with funds going toward job creation, skill acquisition, and sustainable enterprise development.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his administration is committed to protecting all Edo people, whether at home or in the diaspora. “No Edo person should be forced to risk death crossing the Sahel or suffer modern slavery in a foreign land,” he said.