NAPTIP Rescues 221 Human Trafficking Victims in Jigawa, Launches Statewide Anti-Trafficking Campaign

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 221 victims of human trafficking in Jigawa State, as part of its intensified campaign to curb the menace across the state’s 27 local government areas.

The exercise, organised in collaboration with the Jigawa State Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, marks the beginning of a three-phase grassroots sensitisation programme targeting critical stakeholders.

Speaking at the flag-off held in Kazaure on Friday, the NAPTIP Commander in the state, Mr. Abdullahi Turajo, said the initiative is designed to strengthen awareness, intelligence sharing, and community-level vigilance.

Turajo noted that the campaign is being conducted in phases starting with 12 local government areas in Jigawa Northwest, before extending to eight in Hadejia (Northeast Zone) and seven in Dutse (Southwest Zone).

He explained that the state’s strategic location along major international routes has made it a hotspot for trafficking networks, hence the need for proactive community involvement.

“This programme will help us build partnerships at the grassroots, promote intelligence sharing, and ensure timely reporting of trafficking cases,” he said, commending the state government for its continued support.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Mr. Ibrahim Garba represented by the Director of Social Development, Mahmud Mukaddas, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partner with NAPTIP in fighting human trafficking.

Also speaking, the Nigeria Immigration Service Area Commander, Mr. Adamu Bashir, cautioned parents and guardians to be vigilant and prevent their children from falling prey to traffickers’ deceptive recruitment schemes.

The sensitisation campaign, according to NAPTIP, is expected to further reduce the rate of human trafficking in Jigawa through sustained awareness, community partnerships, and improved inter-agency coordination.