The Federal Government has raised alarm over the increasing use of digital platforms by human traffickers to lure and exploit victims. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, issued the warning in Abuja at the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking, describing the trend as a fast-evolving and borderless threat.
Fagbemi emphasised the need for swift and innovative responses to counter the digital tactics of traffickers, calling human trafficking the third most profitable global crime after drug and arms trafficking. He urged stronger legal, institutional, and technological frameworks to combat the menace.
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The Attorney-General also called on commissioners for Women Affairs across Nigeria’s 36 states to champion anti-trafficking policies, budget allocations, and support programmes. He suggested that a dedicated budget line be created to institutionalise the activities of state task forces on trafficking.
Meanwhile, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu Bello revealed that over 7,000 victims were rescued and rehabilitated between 2022 and 2024. She said 205 convictions were recorded, and over 200 anti-trafficking and violence prevention vanguards were launched in schools. Bello added that new digital tools are being deployed, in partnership with UNODC and the Swiss government, to enhance data collection and reporting.
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