The Kano Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) rescued 285 victims and apprehended 22 suspected human traffickers in 2024, according to the Zonal Commander, Abdullahi Babale.
Babale shared this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Thursday. He explained that the rescued individuals included 78 males, 97 females, and 110 children—64 boys and 46 girls—ranging in age from seven to 42 years.
“Among the rescued victims, 53 were trafficked persons, while 232 were survivors of sexual abuse, gender-based violence, and related crimes. The victims underwent counseling and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families, and 52 of them were provided with empowerment kits,” Babale said.
The commander disclosed that the 22 arrested suspects included eight men and 14 women. During the year, the command handled 211 cases involving both internal and external human trafficking, covering child abuse, child labor, sexual abuse, and other violations under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
Convictions and Awareness Programs
Babale revealed that the command secured 15 convictions, including one foreign national. Of those convicted, 13 were men and two were women.
The agency also carried out 88 sensitization programs through various platforms, including radio, television, schools, communities, faith-based organizations, markets, workshops, and advocacy visits, to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and abuse.
In addition, NAPTIP profiled 720 migrant returnees from Niger Republic who had left Nigeria in search of better opportunities.
Call for Collaboration
Babale urged all stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against human trafficking. He also advised Nigerians to avoid dangerous overseas journeys in search of greener pastures and called on parents to protect their children from exploitation.
The commander further encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking within their communities.
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