—– Says the agency plans to review its counter-trafficking policies and operational strategies to address emerging trends.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has recorded significant successes in its fight against human trafficking, securing the conviction of 93 traffickers and rescuing 120 trafficked children in 2025.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, disclosed this while reviewing the agency’s activities for the year, according to a statement issued by the agency’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye.
Bello also revealed that more than 2,500 individuals identified as potential victims of human trafficking were intercepted before they could be exploited. She explained that many of the victims were deceived and recruited for various forms of exploitation within Nigeria and across international borders.
According to the NAPTIP boss, 2025 proved to be a difficult year for traffickers, as the agency intensified its intelligence-driven operations and prosecution efforts. “The year 2025 was unpleasant for human traffickers in the country. We outsmarted them and their antics, which resulted in the impressive number of convictions recorded. The agency secured 93 convictions, which is remarkable considering what it takes to prosecute and convict a single trafficker,” Bello said.
She noted that NAPTIP went after several high-profile traffickers, including operators of orphanages and care homes whose alleged illegal activities were uncovered. As a result, over 120 suspected trafficked children were rescued, while several traffickers were arrested, prosecuted, and convicted. Others, she added, remain under close surveillance.
Bello further disclosed that, in collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, the agency rescued over 370 Nigerian victims of human trafficking from countries such as Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Looking ahead, she assured Nigerians that traffickers would face even tougher measures in 2026.
“We have deliberately scaled up our operations to address evolving challenges. We will increase collaboration with sister law enforcement agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders,” she stated.
Bello also emphasized plans to strengthen grassroots surveillance through partnerships with all levels of government, including the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), as well as improved engagement with the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
She added that NAPTIP would intensify awareness and enlightenment programmes, particularly in hard-to-reach communities, to reduce vulnerability and build resistance against traffickers.
“Just a few days into 2026, we secured the conviction of three human traffickers, and more will end up in jail unless they desist from their criminal activities,” Bello said.