The Jigawa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has intensified its efforts to combat human trafficking, rescuing no fewer than 147 victims across the state in 2025.
The state commander of the agency, Mr. Abdulkadir Turajo, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse.
He explained that the rescued victims were provided with professional counselling, medical support where necessary, and psychosocial care before being reunited with their families in line with the agency’s rehabilitation policy.
According to Mr. Turajo, the command recorded a total of 37 trafficking-related cases during the period under review.
He noted that 11 successful interceptions were carried out in border communities through referrals from the Nigeria Immigration Service, involving 97 persons who were suspected victims or individuals at risk of exploitation.
The commander further revealed that the command secured a significant legal victory with the conviction of a 30-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Alhassan, from Garin Idi Village in the Niger Republic.
Alhassan was found guilty of attempting to traffic a male victim from Kano State through the Maigatari border in Jigawa, with the intention of moving him to Libya via Magarya in Zinder State, Niger Republic.
The conviction, he said, sends a strong warning to traffickers operating along transnational routes.
Mr. Turajo stressed that Jigawa State remains both a source and a transit corridor for human trafficking, particularly to Europe and parts of the Middle East.
He identified routes through Niger and the Chad–Sudan–Saudi Arabia axis as major pathways frequently exploited by traffickers.
The state, he added, is also a key source for internal trafficking for labour, while cases of sexual abuse remain a growing concern.
Beyond enforcement, the commander highlighted the importance of prevention and public education.
He disclosed that the command conducted 49 sensitisation campaigns across communities identified as trafficking hotspots.
These campaigns were held in schools, markets, mosques, churches and motor parks, targeting youths, parents, transport workers and community leaders with information on the dangers and tactics of traffickers.
Describing human trafficking as a modern form of slavery, Mr. Turajo explained that the crime involves the recruitment, transportation, sale or harbouring of persons through deception, coercion or debt bondage for the purpose of forced labour or slavery-like conditions.
He warned that traffickers often prey on poverty, unemployment and lack of awareness to lure victims with false promises of jobs and better living conditions abroad.
He further noted that trafficking remains one of the most dangerous crimes globally, with far-reaching consequences for national security and public safety.
According to him, the crime fuels corruption, irregular migration and organised criminal networks, while undermining human capital development and social stability.
He added that it contributes to human rights abuses, disease transmission, social exclusion and the tarnishing of Nigeria’s international image.
The commander explained that the ripple effects of human trafficking extend beyond individual victims, often linking into broader criminal activities such as drug trafficking, arms proliferation, terrorism, kidnapping and money laundering.
These connections, he said, make the crime particularly difficult to combat without strong inter-agency and community collaboration.
Mr. Turajo reiterated that NAPTIP remains the Federal Government’s primary law enforcement agency charged with combating trafficking in persons nationwide.
He outlined the agency’s core mandates to include enforcement and administration of anti-trafficking laws, coordination of relevant legislation, investigation and prosecution of offenders, protection and assistance for victims, and the prevention and eradication of trafficking practices.
Other responsibilities of the agency include public awareness and education, international cooperation, compliance with bilateral and multilateral treaties adopted by Nigeria, monitoring of trans-border activities related to trafficking, and enforcement of the 2019 Regulations on the Control of Activities Related to Trafficking in Persons.
The commander expressed deep appreciation to the Jigawa State Government for its sustained support, specifically commending Governor Umar Namadi for his commitment to the fight against human trafficking in the state.
He noted that the governor’s interest and cooperation have strengthened the agency’s operations and outreach.
He also praised the collaborative efforts of security and law enforcement agencies in Jigawa, stating that the strong working relationship has made it easier to tackle trafficking and related crimes.
Additionally, he acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and civil society organisations, particularly those operating under the Network of Civil Society Organisations Against Trafficking in Persons (NACTAL).
Mr. Turajo concluded by calling on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and supportive, stressing that only a collective approach can effectively dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable populations across the state.
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