The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 23,900 victims of human trafficking and secured 692 convictions since its establishment, according to its Director-General, Hajiya Binta Bello.
Speaking at the 2024 High-Level Policy Dialogue on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Abuja, part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Bello highlighted the agency’s achievements in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.
“Of the 23,900 rescued victims, 90% are women,” Bello said. “NAPTIP has established 92 offices and 40 shelters nationwide, offering safe spaces and support for survivors. These milestones reflect our unwavering commitment to creating a safer society.”
The DG also disclosed that NAPTIP has secured 692 convictions for traffickers and 37 for perpetrators of SGBV. The agency conducts extensive public awareness campaigns, engages in training programs for law enforcement and stakeholders, and collaborates with international organizations and NGOs to strengthen its efforts.
“Through national action plans, NAPTIP ensures a coordinated and effective response to trafficking and violence,” Bello added. “We advocate for stronger policies and legal frameworks to protect victims and bring offenders to justice. However, achieving systemic change requires collective action. We need every hand on deck.”
Bello emphasized the importance of expanding shelters, empowering victims through vocational training and economic opportunities, and providing psychosocial support. She urged stakeholders to prioritize survivors’ justice and address societal norms perpetuating violence.
Other speakers at the event reinforced the need for unity in combating SGBV. Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin, President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), praised the theme of the event, “Towards Beijing 30+: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” as a timely call to action.
“We must remain steadfast in addressing this global challenge,” Gwabin stated. “The collaboration between NAPTIP and programs like Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) is vital to amplifying efforts and building systems that protect women and girls.”
Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), underscored the urgency of action, citing alarming statistics: “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. Over 60% of these murders in 2023 were committed by intimate partners or family members. Gender-based violence and corruption are deeply interconnected challenges that require coordinated responses.”
The dialogue concluded with calls for stronger collaborations, increased resources, and actionable strategies to end violence against women and girls. NAPTIP’s achievements, while commendable, were positioned as a foundation for further efforts to eradicate trafficking and SGBV in Nigeria and beyond.
“Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a more equitable society,” Bello concluded. “Let us act decisively to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls everywhere.”
