The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reported reuniting 1,198 trafficked victims with their families over the past year, showcasing its intensified efforts against human trafficking and exploitation.
The data, part of a three-year performance review spanning September 2021 to September 2024, highlights significant strides made under the leadership of the agency’s immediate past Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi. Most reunifications occurred in 2024, with victims receiving support such as shelter, legal aid, mental health counseling, and reintegration services before returning to their families.
From September 2023 to September 2024, the agency rescued hundreds of victims monthly. While December 2023 recorded a dip with 81 victims rescued, July 2024 saw the highest number, with 164 individuals rescued. These efforts underline the agency’s commitment to addressing human trafficking despite fluctuating rescue figures.
NAPTIP has also achieved notable milestones in securing justice for victims of trafficking (VoTs) and gender-based violence. Between January 2022 and August 2024, the agency secured 190 human trafficking convictions, accounting for nearly 28% of all convictions since its inception. Additionally, 20 convictions for rape and domestic violence were obtained, representing 74% of such cases handled by NAPTIP since 2015.
High-profile cases include life imprisonment sentences for three rapists and a 12-year sentence with a ₦24 million fine for Felicia Osaigbovo, who trafficked Nigerian girls to Belgium for sexual exploitation.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 82% of the victims were female, with the majority exploited through forced labor and sex trafficking. These findings highlight the gendered nature of human trafficking and the urgent need for continued interventions.
Prof. Waziri-Azi credited these successes to enhanced collaboration with local and international partners. “These convictions are a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to justice and the resilience of survivors who courageously participated in the prosecution process,” she said.
As NAPTIP builds on these achievements, the agency continues to reinforce its mission to combat human trafficking, protect victims, and secure justice for survivors. With over 1,200 lives transformed and reunited with their families, NAPTIP’s efforts stand as a beacon of hope in the fight against exploitation.