The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced the rescue of about 26,000 victims of human trafficking in Nigeria.

The Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, disclosed this during a two-day workshop organised by the agency in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Asaba, Delta State.

Bello, represented by NAPTIP’s Director of Intelligence (Research and Programme Development Department), Mr Josiah Emerole, revealed that over 700 traffickers had been convicted so far, while 23 victims had been supported through university education.

According to the DG, the agency had employed six of the victims as full-time staff to assist in educating other rescued individuals. She described human trafficking as a clandestine crime, highlighting the challenges faced in prosecuting traffickers.

“Most of the time, victims are reluctant to speak because the perpetrators are often family members or people close to their families,” Bello said.

Delta State’s Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, commended NAPTIP and ICMPD for their unwavering efforts to combat human trafficking.

Represented by Mackeans Eze, Desk Officer of the State Task Force on Human Trafficking, Ezewu said: “Your commitment to ensuring that our schools remain a safe and secure nurturing environment for our children is a landmark achievement.”