Undeterred by heavy rainfall in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Monday led a high-profile public awareness walk to expose the tactics of human traffickers and warn Nigerians about the escalating menace.
The walk, held as part of the 2025 International Day Against Human Trafficking observance, underscored the agency’s unwavering commitment to ending trafficking in Nigeria and across the African region.
Addressing participants, NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, described the event as a “powerful show of force” and a direct message to trafficking syndicates that their criminal operations would no longer be tolerated.
“We are sending a clear warning to organised trafficking syndicates — your time is up,” she declared, as NAPTIP officials distributed symbolic Red Cards and educational flyers to members of the public.
Adamu-Bello also highlighted NAPTIP’s expanded grassroots partnerships across all 774 Local Government Areas, involving road transport unions, women’s groups, religious and traditional leaders, and state governments — all working to build community resistance against trafficking networks.
The awareness campaign received strong support from international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIAPP).
Speaking at the event, Aishat Braiman, UNODC Project Coordinator, stressed the importance of prevention in dismantling trafficking rings.
“Our focus is on empowering communities to build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit,” she said.
Isabelle Wolfsgruber, Head of ICMPD Nigeria, called on the media to enhance coverage of anti-trafficking campaigns, particularly at the school and grassroots levels, to amplify public awareness and education.
Representing FIAPP, Mr. Bello Omotosho, Technical Adviser on Institutional Strengthening, reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support for NAPTIP in combating trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.
Despite the adverse weather, the walk was widely viewed as a symbol of Nigeria’s growing resolve to tackle human trafficking through sustained community engagement, institutional collaboration, and international solidarity.
