The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has pledged to intensify its fight against human trafficking in Kaduna State, vowing to rescue victims, dismantle criminal networks, and prosecute offenders as part of broader efforts to safeguard national development.
Speaking during the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking commemorations—held under the theme “Trapped in the Scam”—at the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, the agency’s State Commander, Mr Labaran Ado Tanimu, reaffirmed NAPTIP’s resolve to collaborate with security agencies through a state task force to arrest, investigate, and prosecute traffickers.
He disclosed that the Kaduna State Government had demonstrated its commitment by inaugurating a task force chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, with NAPTIP serving as co-chair. The commander added that the agency works alongside civil society organisations, government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, and the media to combat the crime.
Since its establishment in 2003, NAPTIP has secured more than 800 convictions nationwide. In Kaduna—where operations began in 2021—the command has recorded four convictions, with approximately 12 cases pending before the courts and several others under investigation.
Mr Tanimu revealed that the agency recently repatriated two trafficking survivors from Côte d’Ivoire through collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, its Lagos Zonal Command, and international partners.
He expressed grave concern that trafficking occurs daily across multiple forms of exploitation, including organ harvesting, sexual abuse, forced labour, and child theft. “If victims are not trafficked from Kaduna, they pass through the state en route to other destinations. Trafficking activities occur here almost every day,” he warned.
Addressing this year’s theme, the commander noted that traffickers increasingly exploit technology to lure vulnerable individuals—particularly young jobseekers—through online platforms with deceptive offers. Victims are often instructed to keep their plans secret until they realise they have been ensnared.
“Traffickers are using social media to recruit, and parents must remain vigilant,” he said. “Our message is clear—we are after you. Everyone has a duty to report suspicious activity. Fighting human trafficking is a collective responsibility.”
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr James Kanyip, represented by Solicitor General Jumai Adamu Dan Azumi, reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance stance, urging residents to report suspected cases. “Human trafficking thrives in silence, but Kaduna has chosen to speak out,” he stated.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Civil Society Coalition Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Bukola Ajao, described the commemoration as a vital platform to expose traffickers’ tactics. She cautioned that criminals now misuse technology to promote fake job offers, seminars, and workshops, trapping unsuspecting victims with false promises.
She appealed to parents to monitor their children closely during school holidays, warning that traffickers often target young people during such periods.
Representatives from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission delivered goodwill messages, pledging stronger inter-agency collaboration.
The event drew participation from civil society, security agencies, non-governmental organisations, the media, and government officials—united in the campaign against human trafficking.
