Nigeria strengthens response to human trafficking and smuggling
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In Abuja, Nigeria, officials are working to improve how the country handles cases of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Nigeria faces unique challenges as a source, transit point, and destination for migrants, requiring coordinated efforts from investigators, prosecutors, and judicial officials. Binta Bello, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), explained that a strong justice system requires attention to every step of the enforcement process, from initial intelligence to final court decisions.
NAPTIP aims to close gaps in the criminal justice system by improving cooperation between agencies and the quality of investigations. The initiative will focus on areas like financial tracking, digital evidence, and international legal cooperation to address the increasing sophistication of criminal networks. Bello emphasized the need for a victim-centred approach, ensuring survivors receive support and are not re-traumatised during legal proceedings.
NAPTIP has already secured convictions against traffickers and rescued thousands of victims from various forms of exploitation both within Nigeria and internationally. The agency is expanding its intelligence operations to counter the use of digital platforms by traffickers and has partnered with international law enforcement to disrupt smuggling routes.
This capacity-building workshop, funded by the European Union and implemented with partners CIVIPOL and Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP), seeks to build on these achievements and sustain the fight against these crimes.
