The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called for greater media support in the fight against human trafficking.

The director-general of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu-Bello, made the call at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, ahead of the 2025 International Day Against Human Trafficking, celebrated annually on July 30.

She said stronger media engagement would help deter perpetrators of trafficking and violence against persons by exposing their crimes and increasing public awareness.

Ms Adamu-Bello thanked the media and stakeholders for their sustained partnership, which she said had contributed to NAPTIP’s efforts in combating human trafficking nationwide.

“We are asking for even more support as we work together to make Nigeria free of human trafficking and violence against persons,” she said.

The NAPTIP boss emphasised that the theme for the 2025 observance, “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation,” reflected the urgent need for coordinated efforts to stop what she described as a highly structured, profit-driven crime.

She warned that human trafficking continued to evolve with new trends, urging Nigerians to be cautious and vigilant.

Also speaking, Cheikh Taore, Nigeria country representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reaffirmed the organisation’s support for NAPTIP in addressing human trafficking.

He described trafficking as a transnational enterprise that exploited vulnerable women, children, and men, and called for intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks.

“As the custodian of the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, UNODC stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Government of Nigeria.

“We must coordinate cross-border actions, strengthen justice systems, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable,” Mr Taore said.

In her remarks, Isabelle Wolfsgruber, head of office at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), commended NAPTIP’s work and called for stronger partnerships and coordinated responses.

She said the 2025 theme reinforced the need to treat trafficking as a well-organised crime, urging all stakeholders to respond with equal strategy, coordination, and resources.

Ms Wolfsgruber reiterated ICMPD’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through close collaboration with NAPTIP and regional partners.

(NAN)