NAPTIP secures 631 convictions, seeks public assistance
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A total 631 convictions have been secured in the courts and 22,000 victims rescued by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) since its establishment 20 years ago.
NAPTIP Director General Fatima Waziri disclosed the figures in Lagos at a workshop for its Public Relations Officers (PROs) and Public Enlightenment Officers (PEO).
“In 2022, we are able to secure 80 convictions, which was the highest since the inception. As at today in 2023, we have secured 55 convictions and still counting,” she said.
“For the first time on March 8, we extradited a high-profile human trafficker back to Italy to serve her 13 years sentence.
“This we did in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Department of State Security, Interpol and the Nigerian judiciary.
“Three weeks ago, for the first time, we secured the conviction of a high-profile criminal, a Nigerian based in Belgium, responsible for trafficking girls all over Europe. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of N24 million.”
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How the public can assist NAPTIP
Waziri enthused the accomplishment is a strong message to human traffickers and also serves a deterrent to potential offenders as the agency has rescued and received more than 22,000 victims to show commitment to tackling the crime, per The Guardian.
“In 2022, we were able to rescue and receive more than 2,700 victims, higher than in 2021.”
In terms of rehabilitation, the NAPTIP has supported about 20 victims of human trafficking up to university level, she added.
“Out of the 20, we have three working in the agency, and recently we were able to recruit three former victims to work [with us].
“That is one of the reasons NAPTIP was established, not only to prosecute or prevent but also to protect victims.
“Let us all see the issue of human trafficking as our problem. As at today, every state in Nigeria is affected. Trend, pattern and the proportionality may differ but everyone is affected.
“As a Nigerian, if you see something, say something by reporting, educate yourself on the issue of human trafficking, and know what the red signs are.
“We have a 24-hour call centre; we have our toll-free line which is 0703 000 0203.
“We have a short code 67, which is available on the MTN network, we have our social media handles, which are naptipnigeria on Facebook, on X and on Instagram.
“For anyone who has extra time or resource and want to support, please support the organisations that work in human trafficking and violence against persons.”