UK and Nigeria target traffickers

Hundreds of Nigerian children are smuggled into UK

The UK and Nigeria are to work together in an effort to trap human trafficking gangs and help their victims.

Every year thousands of women and children are smuggled into Europe and exploited for sex and cheap labour.

UK Solicitor General Harriet Harman and Nigerian Attorney General Akinlolu Olujinmi signed a Memorandum of Understanding in London on Wednesday.

They have agreed to share intelligence on criminals and make it easier to extradite suspects.

The agreement comes as the Metropolitan Police continues to investigate the murder of a young boy, known as Adam, whose torso was found in the river Thames.

He is believed to have originated from the western part of Nigeria and may have been trafficked into Britain.

It is a violation of the dignity of the human person Nigerian Attorney General Akinlolu Olujinmi

Under the new agreement police forces will share detection methods and equipment.

The two countries have also agreed to give medical and financial support to victims, especially those prepared to give evidence against traffickers.

'Heinous crime'

Signing the agreement, Ms Harman said Britain and Nigeria wanted to stress that those being trafficked needed protection.

She said: "There is a long tradition of families in rural areas of Western Africa sending their children to the cities to get a better education - for a 'better life'."

"But the life that human traffickers into Europe offer is often anything but that. The trade in young women and children brings a life of exploitation."

Chief Olujinmi said human trafficking was a "heinous crime" and Nigeria would be unrelenting in its fight to stop it.

Harm can be prevented and lives saved by such meaningful steps Commander Andy Baker Metropolitan Police

He said: "[Human trafficking] is a violation of the dignity of the human person. It preys on the vulnerability of young women and children, particularly from developing countries of the world.

"It is a crime that thrives on the network of traffickers across countries' borders... The traffickers should not be allowed a safe haven in any part of the world."

'Adam'

The agreement follows a private meeting between Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who was on a visit to Britain.

It is thought more people are smuggled from Nigeria than any other African country.

In September 2001, the torso of a Nigerian boy, who was given the name Adam, was found floating in the Thames in London.

Police believe he may have been the victim of a ritual killing, a suspicion which suggested human traffickers had even more sinister motives.

The 'Adam' case illustrated the motives behind human trafficking

Commander Andy Baker of the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the investigation, said of Wednesday's agreement: "We welcome this positive move to prevent the misery and horror caused to victims by this despicable crime.

"Working closer with our colleagues in Nigeria will fill the gaps that exist. Harm can be prevented and lives saved by such meaningful steps."