Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 202 victims of human trafficking in Katsina State between January and July 2026, with the Katsina State Commander of the agency, Musa Aliyu, revealing that internal trafficking within Nigeria has become more prevalent than international trafficking in the state. Aliyu made this known on Thursday, July 30, 2026, while commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually by the United Nations to raise awareness of the plight of trafficking victims and promote the protection of their rights.
According to the NAPTIP commander, the rescued victims include 147 females and 55 males, underscoring the persistent threat posed by traffickers despite ongoing awareness campaigns across the state. He said the agency continues to intensify efforts to identify and support other victims of trafficking across Katsina, while also working to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking and encourage collective action against the crime. "Today, being the 30th of July, is a day set aside by the United Nations to commemorate the fight against human trafficking. The essence of today is to unite and educate the general public on the dangers and evil of human trafficking," Aliyu said.
The state commander explained that NAPTIP began activities ahead of the global observance through a series of public enlightenment programmes, including radio discussions, television interviews, and a road walk across Katsina metropolis. "We started before today with several radio programmes. Today, I also had an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). We equally conducted a road walk from the Katsina GRA Flyover to the NATO park, covering about three kilometres, to create awareness," he said.
Aliyu noted that transport operators are strategic partners in the fight against trafficking because they often encounter victims and suspects during transit. He disclosed that the agency had met with transport union leaders during the awareness campaign and secured their commitment to report suspicious movements that could be linked to trafficking. "Human trafficking is everybody's business. It is not only NAPTIP that can fight it. We are calling on all citizens to join hands with us to combat this menace because traffickers use different tricks to lure their victims," he said.
The NAPTIP boss identified women and children as the most vulnerable groups and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected trafficking cases. He expressed concern over the growing trend of internal trafficking in Katsina, noting that domestic trafficking had become more prevalent than international trafficking in the state. "In this part of the country, especially in Katsina State, internal trafficking is more common than international trafficking. We have educated the public on how to identify trafficking and the different forms it takes," he added.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, serves as a global call to action, encouraging governments, institutions, and communities to strengthen efforts against human trafficking. The rescue of 202 victims in Katsina State in just seven months highlights the scale of the challenge facing Nigeria, where traffickers continue to exploit vulnerable individuals through false promises of employment, education, and better opportunities. The NAPTIP commander's warning that internal trafficking now surpasses cross-border trafficking in Katsina is particularly significant, as it suggests that trafficking networks are increasingly operating within Nigeria's borders, targeting women and children from rural communities.
NAPTIP's efforts in Katsina are part of a broader national campaign against human trafficking. The agency has intensified its operations across the country, conducting raids, prosecuting traffickers, and rescuing victims from exploitation. In 2025, NAPTIP rescued over 370 Nigerian victims of human trafficking from countries such as Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, and secured the conviction of 93 traffickers. The agency has also warned of the growing use of fake overseas job offers to recruit educated Nigerian youths into cybercrime syndicates in Southeast Asia, a trend that has emerged as a new frontier in human trafficking.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the scourge of human trafficking, the NAPTIP commander's call for public vigilance and cooperation underscores the critical role that communities must play in identifying and reporting trafficking activities. The rescue of 202 victims in Katsina is a significant achievement, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the thousands more who remain trapped in exploitation. For the victims who have been rescued, the journey to recovery is just beginning, and NAPTIP has pledged to continue providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. For the traffickers who continue to operate, the message from NAPTIP is clear: the agency will not relent in its efforts to bring them to justice and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
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