The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said it has rescued about 19,000 trafficked persons since its inception in 2003.
The agency also disclosed that about 32 persons had been convicted of various crimes related to human trafficking between January and May 2023.
Director of Intelligence and Public Enlightenment, NAPTIP, Josiah Emerole, made the revelation at a one-day national learning, experience sharing and policy brief dissemination on combating human trafficking and unsafe migration in Abuja.
The event, held under the project titled, ‘Scaling up prevention of human trafficking and unsafe migration through traditional and new approach’, was organised by Women Aid Collective (WACOL) with the support of the Swiss Government, managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Emerole, who noted that all hands must be on deck to curb both illegal migration and human trafficking, expressed worry that criminal elements are capitalising on desperation by Nigerians to move out of the country.
Speaking on prosecution, the NAPTIP spokesperson said prosecution of suspects suffer setback many times because the victims are not willing to speak out.
Former Controller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, identified bad governance as a major factor promoting illegal migration and trafficking.
While stressing the need for the media, civil society and law enforcement agencies to make sure that they work together to combat this crime, he said Nigeria does not have any law to stop anybody from living country.
According to him, migration should be regular and must be safer for everybody, adding that the world must negotiate peaceful transfer of labour.
On her part, Executive Director, WomenAid Collective (WACOL), Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, expressed concerns that one of every four Africans trafficked is a Nigerian, observed that the country is not doing enough in terms of prevention.
According to her, Nigeria is hugely affected as both a source country, a transit and destination for human trafficking.
Migration adviser, Swiss FDFA Peace and Human Rights Division, Christian Brugger, noted that importance of community level engagement could not be overemphasized.
According to him, the fight against trafficking in persons cannot be won by a “Whole-of-Society” Approach, adding that traditional and religious leaders must lead the way in protecting their community members who look up to them.
