NAPTIP
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Lagos Zonal Command, has called for unified stakeholder action and inter-agency collaboration to combat the evolving threats of human trafficking and exploitation.
The call was made during a commemorative event organised by NAPTIP Lagos in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and other stakeholders.
The event brought together representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, law enforcement bodies, NGOs, diplomatic representatives, and media partners.
Escalating Threats to Vulnerable Groups
Delivering an address, Lagos Zonal Commander, Mrs. Comfort Agboko highlighted the urgent need to address shifting trafficking patterns across regional and international borders.
She emphasised the growing risks faced by vulnerable groups, particularly children who are increasingly targeted for forced labor, forced criminality, online financial fraud, and other severe forms of exploitation under coercion and threat.
“As trafficking and economic situations change in Nigeria and around the world, continuing to shape trafficking trends, the fight against human trafficking continues to evolve, and the challenges before us remain significant. Therefore, our resolve must be firm.”
The theme for this year’s event is “Trapped Behind the Scam”.
The 2026 global campaign shines a light on the rapid expansion of forced criminality, where transnational crime syndicates lure victims through fraudulent job offers and force them to operate in online financial fraud and scam compounds.
Call for Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
NAPTIP reaffirmed that effective intervention requires continuous, multi-stakeholder commitment spanning prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership.
Core Action Areas:
Prevention and Awareness: Expanding community outreach to educate vulnerable populations on modern deceptive practices, including cyber-enabled recruitment.
Survivor Protection: Strengthening victim-centered recovery frameworks and ensuring non-punishment for individuals forced into criminal activity by traffickers.
Resource Sharing and Prosecution: Enhancing intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies and international partners to dismantle cross-border syndicates.
The agency however expressed gratitude to civil society partners, public and private sector stakeholders, and the media for their continued support in driving anti-trafficking efforts across Lagos State and beyond.
