The Kano Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported the rescue of 285 victims and the arrest of 22 human traffickers in 2024. Zonal Commander Abdullahi Babale shared the update during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.
Babale revealed that the rescued victims included 78 males, 97 females, and 110 children (64 boys and 46 girls), aged between seven and 42. He said, “Out of the 285 victims, 53 are victims of trafficking in persons, while 232 are survivors of sexual abuse, and gender-based violence among others.”
He noted that the victims received counselling and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families. Additionally, 52 of them were provided with empowerment kits. Babale stated that the 22 suspects apprehended comprised eight males and 14 females.
According to Babale, the command handled 211 cases in the review period, covering external and internal trafficking. These cases included child abuse, child labour, sexual abuse, and other violations under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
He disclosed that the command secured 15 convictions, including one foreign national. Of the convicted individuals, 13 were males and two were females.
The command also conducted 88 sensitization and enlightenment programmes. These included radio and television broadcasts, school campaigns, community outreach, faith-based organization collaborations, workshops, training sessions, and advocacy visits. The aim was to raise awareness about the risks of human trafficking and other forms of abuse.
“We successfully profiled 720 migrant returnees from the Niger Republic, who travelled out of the country in search of greener pasture during the period reviewed,” Babale said.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in combating human trafficking and cautioned Nigerians against dangerous overseas journeys. He urged parents to protect their children from exploitation and advised the public to report suspected cases of trafficking in their communities.
Babale also reiterated the agency’s commitment to curbing trafficking, ensuring justice for victims, and providing necessary support to survivors.
