---------Build Capacity Of NAPTIP’S Investigators And Prosecutors
By
Rukayatu Yakubu
Abuja
Director General of the National Agency for
the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, OON,
says the complexity of human trafficking, coupled with the evolving nature
across the Country, requires expertise and diligent skills for investigation
and prosecution that will enable them to outsmart the antics of the traffickers.
She stated this in Lagos while declaring open
a capacity-building workshop for NAPTIP Investigators and Prosecutors, as well
as related enforcement agencies, on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Violence
Against Persons (VAP), held at the Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos.
This
workshop is organized by the
International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in
partnership with NAPTIP, with
support from the Ministry of Asylum and
Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the Building and Environment
Free of Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons in Nigeria (TIPVAP NG)
project.
One of the most critical barriers to securing
convictions in TiP and VAP cases is the mishandling of evidence—whether
physical, biological, or digital. Weaknesses in evidence management, including
breaches in the chain of custody, often undermine admissibility in court and
lead to the collapse of otherwise strong cases.
Compounding this challenge is Nigeria’s federal
structure. Subnational institutions at the state level, which are closest to
local populations, hold significant responsibility for law enforcement.
However, due to the peculiarities of each state, practices and procedures vary
widely. This results in a lack of uniformity between state and federal
institutions, coupled with varying levels of institutional capacity across the
country.
The building and
environment free of human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons in Nigeria
Project (TIPVAP NG) seeks to address these gaps by providing
targeted, practical training to frontline investigators and prosecutors from
NAPTIP and sister Agencies. The activity will strengthen inter-agency
collaboration across federal and state levels, while equipping participants
with the technology, skills, and procedures needed to disrupt criminal networks
and ensure that evidence is preserved with integrity for successful
prosecution.
The Director General pointed out that “ The complex nature of Trafficking
in Persons (TIP) and Violence Against Persons (VAP) demands a
multi-disciplinary response that brings together diverse expertise and
perspectives. This workshop has been designed to foster collaboration across
different agencies and institutions because the Agency recognizes that working
at cross purposes cannot defeat the criminal networks involved in these crimes.
In combating these crimes, we can only succeed through the efforts of financial
investigators who track the proceeds of exploitation; the prosecutors who
execute court cases; and social workers who support victims, each perspective
contributing to a comprehensive response.
“This workshop is also intended
to enhance the capacity of our investigators, prosecutors, and our Sister Law
enforcement agencies to effectively handle cases of Human Trafficking and
Violence Against Persons. We are focused on strengthening our response
mechanisms, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring that our efforts
are informed by best practices and international standards.
“I would therefore like
to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for
funding this endeavor. The Netherlands has remained one of our major supporters
in our counter trafficking activities in Nigeria. I also wish to appreciate the
International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for its
unwavering support and partnership in this endeavor. Their contributions have
been instrumental in advancing our shared goals, and we look forward to
continued collaboration”.
In his speech, the
Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Lawal
Pedro, SAN, who lauded the ICMPD and the Embassy of of the Kingdom of Netherlands
for the impactful projects, assured that the administration of the Lagos State
Government would continue to support and partner with NAPTIP through the
existing State Task Force on Human trafficking and other partners in the fight against
Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Persons.
In his speech, the Project Manager, ICMPD, Mr Tunde Omoyeni, who represented the Head of Office, Isabelle Wolfsgruber, emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy among Agencies and stakeholders in the fight against trafficking in Persons and Violence against Persons.
He said, “Successful counter
trafficking work thrives on collaboration. No single Agency can respond
effectively to crimes as complex as human trafficking and violence against
persons.
“This workshop,
therefore, focuses on enhancing evidence management, strengthening cyber-investigative
competencies, and promoting collaboration between investigators and prosecutors
“It is therefore our
hope that these four days will deepen inter-Agency trust, reinforce operational
cooperation, and inspire renewed commitment to the protection of vulnerable
groups across Nigeria”.
Speaking also, the Consul-General,
Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lagos State, Michel L. H Deelen,
commended NAPTIP for its counter – trafficking operations as well as the ICMPD
for prudent implementation of the TIPVAP NG project among others and assured of
the sustained support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Government of
Nigeria in the fight against human trafficking and violence against persons.
This workshop aims to equip investigators and
prosecutors with the requisite technology and technical know-how to disrupt
criminal networks committing cyber-enabled trafficking and preserve the
integrity of TIP and VAP case evidence for use in court.
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