NAPTIP DG Stresses Multi-Agency Approach in Fight Against Human Trafficking

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has emphasised that the “complexity of human trafficking, coupled with the evolving nature across the country, requires expertise and diligent skills for investigation and prosecution that will enable them to outsmart the antics of the traffickers.”

She made the remarks in Lagos while officially opening a four-day capacity building workshop for NAPTIP investigators, prosecutors, and other enforcement agencies on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Violence Against Persons (VAP).

The event took place at Amber Residence, Ikeja, and was organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in partnership with NAPTIP, with support from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the TIPVAP NG Project.

Bello highlighted the growing challenges posed by technology enabled criminal networks.

“Offenders exploit social media platforms, encrypted communication channels, and digital payment systems to recruit, control, and exploit victims while masking their identities and operations. One of the most critical barriers to securing convictions in TiP and VAP cases is the mishandling of evidence, whether physical, biological, or digital,” she said.

She noted that weaknesses in evidence management, including breaches in the chain of custody, often undermine court proceedings, while Nigeria’s federal structure complicates uniformity in enforcement across states.

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“The complex nature of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Violence Against Persons (VAP) demands a multi-disciplinary response that brings together diverse expertise and perspectives. This workshop has been designed to foster collaboration across different agencies and institutions because the Agency recognizes that working at cross purposes cannot defeat the criminal networks involved in these crimes. In combating these crimes, we can only succeed through the efforts of financial investigators who track the proceeds of exploitation; the prosecutors who execute court cases; and social workers who support victims, each perspective contributing to a comprehensive response. This workshop is also intended to enhance the capacity of our investigators, prosecutors, and our Sister Law enforcement agencies to effectively handle cases of Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons. We are focused on strengthening our response mechanisms, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring that our efforts are informe

The NAPTIP DG also expressed gratitude to international partners, saying, “I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for funding this endeavor. The Netherlands has remained one of our major supporters in our counter trafficking activities in Nigeria. I also wish to appreciate the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for its unwavering support and partnership in this endeavor. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing our shared goals, and we look forward to continued collaboration.”

In his remarks, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, commended the ICMPD and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for supporting impactful anti-trafficking projects, assuring that the Lagos State Government would continue to back NAPTIP through the State Task Force on Human Trafficking and other partners.

ICMPD Project Manager, Tunde Omoyeni, stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration: “Successful counter trafficking work thrives on collaboration. No single Agency can respond effectively to crimes as complex as human trafficking and violence against persons. This workshop, therefore, focuses on enhancing evidence management, strengthening cyber-investigative competencies, and promoting collaboration between investigators and prosecutors. It is therefore our hope that these four days will deepen inter-Agency trust, reinforce operational cooperation, and inspire renewed commitment to the protection of vulnerable groups across Nigeria.”

The Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Michel L. H Deelen, also praised NAPTIP and ICMPD for their counter-trafficking efforts and assured continued support from his government.

The workshop aims to equip participants with the technology, skills, and procedures required to disrupt cyber-enabled trafficking networks while preserving the integrity of evidence for successful prosecution.