INFLUENCE OF NAPTIP FACEBOOK SENSITIZATION IN CURBING THE ACTIVITIES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKERS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS

Human trafficking remains a serious threat to public safety and human rights in Nigeria. In response, digital platforms have become essential tools for raising awareness and promoting advocacy. This study therefore examined the influence of NAPTIP’s Facebook sensitization on the public's awareness and behavioral response to human trafficking within Enugu Metropolis. Specifically, it sought to find out whether citizens of Enugu are receiving NAPTIP’s Facebook campaigns, the extent to which they engage with the content, whether such engagement has led to behavioral changes, and the various factors that may limit the effectiveness of the sensitization efforts. The study was guided by four research questions and built upon relevant communication and behavior change theories, specifically the Agenda-Setting Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, which explain how digital media can influence public perception and action against societal vices like human trafficking. A descriptive survey research design was employed in conducting the study, with a sample population drawn from residents of Enugu Metropolis. Using Taro Yamane’s formula, a total sample size of 400 participants was determined, and the questionnaire served as the main instrument for data collection. Responses were gathered from 390 participants. The data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. The findings revealed that the citizens of Enugu Metropolis have substantial exposure to NAPTIP’s Facebook sensitization campaigns. According to the data, a significant majority of the respondents (85%) indicated awareness of NAPTIP’s Facebook campaign against human trafficking. Moreover, the frequency of exposure was fairly high, with 69% of respondents seeing NAPTIP content either daily or weekly. This demonstrates that the agency’s Facebook sensitization is reaching a broad audience within the metropolis. Furthermore, the study found that the type of content most commonly seen included a combination of posters, flyers, videos, and articles, with 38% of respondents acknowledging they are exposed to all these formats. Facebook advertisements were identified as the leading source through which many respondents first came across NAPTIP’s campaign materials. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing awareness through partnerships with influencers, adopting interactive strategies for engagement, integrating survivor stories into content, improving internet access, and complementing online campaigns with offline initiatives.