Nigeria Moves to Close Justice Gaps in Human Trafficking, Migrant Smuggling Cases

Nigeria is taking steps to bridge operational gaps in its criminal justice response to human trafficking and migrant smuggling cases, according to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The move aims to strengthen the country's criminal justice system, particularly as transnational organized crime networks become more sophisticated and expand across borders.

The agency's Director-General, Binta Bello, emphasized that every stage of the enforcement process needs to be strong to effectively prosecute perpetrators and protect victims. Speaking at the opening of a workshop in Abuja, Bello highlighted the growing complexity of criminal networks, which exploit human vulnerability, undermine national security, violate human rights, and threaten economic stability.

She stated that the workshop would improve cooperation among investigators, prosecutors, and judicial authorities, strengthen case files, and enhance the connection between investigation, prosecution, and judicial decision-making. Bello emphasized the need for a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach to justice, ensuring that victims receive protection throughout the judicial process.

The agency has secured hundreds of convictions and rescued thousands of victims from various forms of exploitation, but Bello cautioned that the agency's achievements should not lead to complacency, as the criminal networks continue to evolve. The capacity-building initiative, implemented under the Common Operational Partnership (COP Nigeria), is being carried out by CIVIPOL in collaboration with FIAP, funded by the European Union.