By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, Dec. 22, 2025
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has taken custody of six individuals suspected to be victims of human trafficking, who were intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Jigawa State. The agency has vowed to launch a comprehensive investigation into the case, which highlights the persistent threat of human trafficking along Nigeria’s migration corridors.
Mr. Abdulkadir Turajo, Commander of NAPTIP’s Jigawa State Command, received the six persons—two males and four females, all aged between 32 and 36—from NIS personnel at the Babura Plantation Border Patrol Base in Babura Local Government Area.
Unpacking the Interception and the Promised Investigation
Commander Turajo stated that the individuals, who hail from Ogun, Imo, Lagos, and Enugu states, were intercepted on Monday while allegedly en route to Europe via Libya and the Niger Republic. This route is notoriously dangerous, often referred to as the “Central Mediterranean Route,” where migrants face extreme risks of exploitation, violence, and death.
“The agency will conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether those involved are victims, agents, or accomplices,” Turajo assured. This distinction is critical in anti-trafficking work. True victims are entitled to protection, shelter, and rehabilitation under Nigeria’s Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act. Conversely, agents or accomplices face prosecution, which can result in severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment.
The investigation will likely involve forensic interviews to map the recruitment process, identify the trafficking syndicate’s methods, and uncover any deception or coercion used. This process is essential not only for justice but also for dismantling the criminal networks involved.
A Timely Warning During the Festive Season
Commander Turajo issued a stern warning to the public, linking the incident to increased risks during the festive period. “Human trafficking syndicates often take advantage of the increased travel and festive excitement to lure unsuspecting victims,” he explained. Traffickers frequently pose as benefactors offering holiday jobs, educational opportunities, or fake travel packages to well-known destinations.
He urged citizens to exercise heightened vigilance: “Verify offers, especially from unknown persons. The festive season must not become a trafficking season.” Practical steps for verification include checking the legitimacy of recruitment agencies with the Ministry of Labour, consulting with family before accepting distant offers, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
The Critical Role of Inter-Agency Collaboration
Turajo commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for its role, noting that “its sustained partnership and collaboration has strengthened the fight against human trafficking in the state.” This interception is a tangible result of such collaboration. The NIS, stationed at borders, acts as a first line of defense by profiling travel patterns and identifying suspicious movements. NAPTIP then brings its specialized expertise in victim support, investigation, and prosecution to bear. This multi-agency approach is vital for a holistic response to trafficking, which is a complex crime requiring law enforcement, social services, and legal action.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against human trafficking in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of public awareness, the need for rigorous investigation to ensure justice, and the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
(NAN) (www.nanews.ng)
MNB/FAT/OCC
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Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Chinyere Omeire
