The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society organisations and international partners to dismantle human trafficking networks.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja during an awareness road walk organised to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
She said the agency remained committed to its statutory mandate of preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting offenders and strengthening partnerships at national, regional and international levels.
“To survivors of human trafficking, let me say this, you are not forgotten. Your courage inspires us, and your recovery remains central to our mission.
“NAPTIP will continue to provide protection, rehabilitation, counselling and reintegration support while pursuing justice against those who exploited you,” Adamu-Bello said.
She urged parents, guardians, teachers, religious and community leaders, employers, transport operators, financial institutions, technology companies and other Nigerians to remain vigilant against human trafficking.
According to her, trafficking thrives where silence, ignorance and indifference prevail, but can be defeated when citizens are informed, alert and willing to report suspicious activities.
“Let us remember that our responsibility does not end here at this road walk.
“The real impact of this event will be measured by the conversations we continue to have, the awareness we spread, the suspicious activities we report, and the vulnerable persons we help protect.
“Let each of us become an ambassador against human trafficking in our homes, workplaces, schools, places of worship and communities,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Aishat Braimah, Programme Coordinator for Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIP/SOM) at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said the 2026 theme is “Trapped Behind the Scam.”
She said the theme highlighted how victims were deceived through false offers before being exploited by human traffickers and organised criminal groups.
She said many victims were lured with fraudulent promises before being forced to engage in online fraud and other criminal activities orchestrated by organised crime groups.
According to Braimah, the campaign calls on governments, institutions and communities to recognise coercion, identify victims of forced criminality and ensure they receive protection instead of punishment.
“Today’s awareness walk is timely and necessary.
“By carrying this message into our streets and communities, we are helping people recognise false offers, report suspicious activities through the 627 hotline, reject stigma against survivors and understand that prevention is a shared responsibility.
“Visibility is one of our strongest tools against hidden exploitation. UNODC places great value on awareness as a cornerstone of prevention.
“Informed communities can recognise deceptive recruitment, protect those at risk and connect victims with support,” she said.
Braimah commended NAPTIP, relevant federal and state agencies, civil society organisations and development partners for their coordinated efforts in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
Mr Ron Hendrix, representative of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, also commended NAPTIP and its partners for organising the awareness campaign to draw attention to the dangers of human trafficking.
Hendrix, the EU Programme Officer on Migration, Organised Crime and Drugs, said trafficking in persons violated human dignity and had no place in any society.
“The theme of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, ‘Trapped Behind the Scam,’ makes it even more visible that trafficking is all around us. People must be cautious.
“Everyone uses social media. Everyone goes on the internet. Everybody can be scammed, and everybody can be trapped by these traffickers.
“That is why it is important to sustain awareness and ensure people understand the dangers,” he said.
He said the European Union remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts through the Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria Project, implemented by UNODC and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).(NAN)
