Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has flagged off activities to mark the 2025 World Day Against Human Trafficking as Nigeria has been ranked as a Tier 2 country indicated in the 2024 Tip Report.
Speaking with journalists and stakeholders at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Bello expressed gratitude to the stakeholders, including the Federal Government, development partners, and civil society organisations, for their support.
She emphasized that human trafficking is not a random act of violence but a well-coordinated organized crime that exploits vulnerable populations, especially women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
She said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” underscored the urgent need to deepen understanding of the complex web of transnational crimes driving human trafficking and adopt a multi-sectoral, victim-centered approach to combating it.
“This day is not just symbolic; it is a time for deep reflection, renewed commitment, and coordinated action. Organized criminal networks are using migration flows, global supply chains, legal and economic loopholes, and digital platforms to facilitate trafficking on a massive scale,” she stated.
Bello unveiled a line-up of activities to mark the awareness week, including a sensitization walk across the FCT and NAPTIP state offices, a live streamed stakeholder conversation session, and the 28th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum scheduled for July 30 the flagship event of the week.
She also raised alarm over emerging disturbing trends in trafficking, such as the lure of fake job and scholarship offers, deceptive recruitment of youths into cybercrime rings in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, increasing cases of sextortion and revenge pornography, the continued operation of baby factories and organ harvesting rings, as well as the use of predatory online loan schemes to force victims into prostitution.
Despite the evolving nature of the crime, Bello noted that NAPTIP continue to record significant progress through its five-pronged strategy of prevention, partnership, policy, protection, and prosecution. She stated that the agency has intensified awareness campaigns, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, developed counter-trafficking policies, rescued and rehabilitated victims, and prosecuted offenders.
The NAPTIP Boss expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Assembly, development partners, sister law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations for their continued support.
She specially acknowledged the contributions of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the European Union, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Leadway Assurance, and the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs.
Bello disclosed that NAPTIP has enhanced the capacity of its Cybercrime Squad and aligned it with the Federal Ministry of Justice’s Joint Case Team on Cybercrime in order to better tackle online recruitment and exploitation. She added that the Agency has also strengthened collaboration with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to ensure the surveillance, interception, and prosecution of traffickers.
Reiterating the Agency’s unwavering resolve, she warned that the coming months would be increasingly challenging for human traffickers operating in the country. She emphasized that human trafficking poses a real threat to national development and urged all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
“Together, let us kick human traffickers out of Nigeria,” she added
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.”
