The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) have intensified their collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking and violence in Nigeria. This move came during a specialized capacity-building workshop held in Lagos for investigators and prosecutors.
Workshop Aims to Outsmart Tech-Savvy Traffickers
While declaring the workshop open at the Amber Residence in Ikeja, Lagos, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, highlighted the growing complexity of these crimes. She stated that the evolving nature of human trafficking across Nigeria demands enhanced expertise and diligent investigative skills to counter the sophisticated methods used by traffickers.
Bello emphasized that criminal networks are increasingly leveraging technology, creating significant hurdles for law enforcement. These offenders exploit social media, encrypted communication apps, and digital payment systems to recruit, control, and exploit victims while effectively concealing their identities and operations.
A Multi-Disciplinary and Collaborative Response
The Director General pointed out that a successful fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Violence Against Persons (VAP) requires a unified, multi-disciplinary approach. "This workshop has been designed to foster collaboration across different agencies and institutions," Bello said. She stressed that working in isolation would not defeat the entrenched criminal networks involved in these heinous acts.
The workshop, organized by ICMPD in partnership with NAPTIP, was supported by the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the TIPVAP NG project. Its core objective was to strengthen the response mechanisms of Nigeria's law enforcement, ensuring their methods align with international best practices.
Lagos State Pledges Continued Support
In his address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, commended ICMPD and the Dutch Embassy for their impactful projects. He assured participants that the Lagos State Government would continue its support and partnership with NAPTIP. This collaboration will be channeled through the existing State Task Force on Human Trafficking and other partners dedicated to eradicating these crimes.
The event, which took place on December 5, 2025, brought together NAPTIP investigators and prosecutors alongside officers from related enforcement agencies. The focus was on equipping them with the modern tools and collaborative frameworks needed to secure more convictions and provide better support for victims.
