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THE Federal Government has called for advanced intelligence sharing, sub national collaboration and tech-driven interventions to dismantle emerging cyber enabled human trafficking networks.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made the call at the opening of the 29th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF) on Human Trafficking, organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons in collaboration with the United, Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and funded by the European Union, yesterday in Abuja.
Represented by the Acting Director, Citizens Rights Department, Haliru Kabiru, he stressed that criminal syndicates are increasingly exploiting digital platforms, social media and online recruitment portals to deceive vulnerable citizens making real-time data sharing and technological integration vital for early identification and victim protection.
Fagbemi stated that “The nature and methods of trafficking in persons continue to evolve.
“The use of digital platforms for deceptive recruitment, fraudulent employment offers and other forms of exploitation underscores the need for effective public awareness, improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions.”
He urged state governments and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate anti-trafficking frameworks into their operational budgets, warning that robust intelligence networks remain the strongest shield against transnational and cyber-enabled syndicates. He reminded stakeholders that no state is immune to the menace and that robust local engagement is paramount.
On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, revealed that the agency recorded significant operational milestones between August 2025 to date receiving 1,508 cases, executing 1,434 arrests, and rehabilitating 2,700 victims.
According to her, the agency secured 74 court judgments resulting in the conviction of 97 offenders, pushing NAPTIP’s historical record to 28,762 rescued victims and 857 total convictions since its inception.
Bello noted that modern syndicates are increasingly weaponising digital platforms, online scam networks and deceptive recruitment portals, necessitating a proactive, intelligence led defense.
She said “The Agency has intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance to identify and disrupt trafficking networks operating both offline and online.
“Particular attention is being given to the new trends of cybe enabled trafficking, deceptive online recruitment and emerging forms of exploitation facilitated through digital platforms including online scam.”
The DG also charged state governments and agencies to scale up funding, strengthen local task forces and institutionalise robust data systems such as the National Human Trafficking Dashboard to counter cross-border and cyber enabled exploitation as the current National Action Plan concludes its cycle
Also speaking, Country Representative of the UNODC, Cheikh Toure, commended Nigeria’s collaborative approach to tackling human trafficking as NAOTIOp approaches the conclusion of its National Action Plan (2022–2026).
He noted that the forum serves as a vital peer review and coordination platform for federal, state and civil society actors.
Represented by the UNODC Operations Manager, William Wu, Toure emphasised that reliable data, sub national engagement, and victim centred protection remain central to addressing evolving trafficking vulnerabilities.
Cheikh noted that “Reliable and comparable data remains essential to understanding trafficking trends, identifying emerging vulnerabilities and informing policy and operational decisions.”
Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria Patrick Egloff, emphasised that digital tools offer vital solutions for verifying job offers and streamlining cross border rescue operations.
However, the Ambassador noted that technology must remain human centred, urging that privacy, data protection, and survivor dignity to guide all future anti trafficking frameworks across Nigeria.
