NAPTIP, France Move to Dismantle Human Trafficking Networks

The Federal Government has launched a new regional initiative in partnership with France to bolster Nigeria's efforts against human trafficking, according to a report by Michael Olugbode in Abuja. The PROTECT Regional Project, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt financial systems, and address cross-border partnerships that sustain the exploitation of victims.

The initiative targets Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Togo, with a validation workshop held in Abuja on Monday. NAPTIP's Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, emphasized the need for institutions involved in prevention, investigation, prosecution, and victim protection to evolve as threats change. Traffickers now employ social media and other digital platforms for recruitment, communication, and exploitation, along with exploiting economic hardship, unemployment, conflicts, displacement, and irregular migration channels.

The agency has intensified public awareness campaigns and expanded the use of media to reach at-risk populations. However, NAPTIP acknowledges the need for enhanced judicial support to expedite case resolutions. The project comprises five components: strengthening institutional coordination, improving the criminal justice chain, preventing trafficking and protecting victims, enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation, and improving data and knowledge production.

NAPTIP urges ministries, departments, and agencies to integrate anti-trafficking measures into national policies and encourages civil society organizations to support awareness and victim assistance efforts.