NAPTIP delivers mandate despite rising human trafficking cases — DG

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has said the agency has continued to perform maximally in line with its mandates, despite the evolving nature of human trafficking.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the 2025 World Day Against Human Trafficking, Bello said, “I am glad to report that even though the crime of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) continues to evolve, becoming more complex, transnational and interlinked with other forms of violence and exploitation, NAPTIP has continued to perform maximally in line with its mandates.”

The DG highlighted the agency’s achievements, saying, “The Agency has continued to carry out its activities in line with the 5Ps Strategies of Prevention, Partnership, Policy, Protection, and Prosecution.

“These have led to massive awareness across the country to reduce the vulnerability of the citizens, increased collaboration and coordination, development of counter-trafficking policies, rescue and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking, and prosecution of offenders.”

Bello expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the Federal Government, development partners, and civil society organisations, for their support.

“We appreciate the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), our Supervising Ministry, the National Assembly, Development Partners, Sister Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, spirited individuals, and other State and Non-State Actors.”

The DG emphasised NAPTIP’s commitment to tackling human trafficking, saying, “Our resolve to tackle human trafficking in Nigeria is firm and unequivocal, and we shall continue to scale our strategies to outsmart the traffickers. It is our resolve to continue doubling our efforts to outsmart the tactics of the traffickers.”

Bello also noted emerging trends in human trafficking, including fake job opportunities, online trafficking, and sextortion. “Together, let us kick human traffickers out of Nigeria,” she urged.

Also speaking, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Mr Cheikh Toure, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

Toure stated that this year’s theme, “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime: End the Exploitation,” demands recognition of the stark reality that trafficking is a calculated, transnational enterprise profiting from the vulnerability of women, children, and men.

Toure commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its exemplary leadership in the fight against human trafficking.

“UNODC will support NAPTIP’s activities, including a National Awareness Walk, Bootcamp & Peer Review for State Taskforces, and a National Stakeholders Forum.”

According to Toure, trafficking thrives in areas of high vulnerability, and efforts must be redirected to the grassroots level. “Trafficking festers where vulnerability is highest—in underserved communities, border regions, and among marginalised youth.

“We must redirect energy and resources to the grassroots: empowering local leaders, traditional institutions, and community networks,” he said.

“UNODC is committed to Nigeria’s long-term security through various projects. These include providing support for Nigeria’s migration governance framework through an EU-funded project, and enhancing Nigeria’s capacity for data-driven migration management with support from the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF).”

“Implementing the Netherlands-funded PROMIS Project to combat smuggling and trafficking, and assisting Nigeria in implementing its National Action Plan (2022–2026) with support from Switzerland.”

Toure reiterated UNODC’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria to shatter criminal empires, uplift victims, and build a future where no Nigerian is bought or sold.

The Head of Office for the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Nigeria, Isabelle Wolfsgruber, said the commemoration offers an important opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to combating human trafficking—an issue that continues to challenge human rights, governance, and the law across borders.

Wolfsgruber noted that strong partnerships and coordinated action are crucial in protecting the dignity and freedom of every individual. “It is only through strong partnerships and coordinated action that we can make meaningful progress in protecting the dignity and freedom of every individual,” she said.

“ICMPD supports the development and implementation of effective policies and frameworks, strengthens institutional capacity, and enhances inter-agency coordination through initiatives such as the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project,” Wolfsgruber said.

“Our approach places a strong focus on prevention, victim protection, the disruption of trafficking networks, and the pursuit of justice for survivors, ensuring that responses are both comprehensive and sustainable.”

ICMPD’s efforts are made possible through support from funding partners, including the Government of the Netherlands and the European Union, as well as strong partnerships with national institutions, regional bodies, civil society, and development partners.

Wolfsgruber commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its leadership and vision, noting that Nigeria continues to stand out as a regional leader in combating trafficking in persons.

“As we reflect on this important occasion, let us renew our shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable, prevent exploitation, and ensure that justice is pursued with integrity and compassion.”

“ICMPD is proud to partner with NAPTIP through technical support and strategic collaboration to combat human trafficking in Nigeria.”

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