NAPTIP ARRESTS 120 SUSPECTED HUMAN TRAFFICKERS, RESCUES 300 VICTIMS IN ONDO
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Ondo State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has arrested no fewer than 120 suspected human traffickers and rescued more than 300 victims since commencing operations in the state in November 2023.
The State Commander of NAPTIP, Taiwo Adegboyega, disclosed this on Friday in Akure during a programme organised by the Civil Society Organisation Network on Migration and Development to mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Adegboyega said many of the suspects arrested by the command are currently facing prosecution, while the agency has already secured convictions in some of the trafficking cases handled within the period.
He said, “Since we got to Ondo State precisely in November 2023, so far, we have rescued not less than 300 victims, locally and internationally. We have arrested not less than 120 suspects of human trafficking.
“I can tell you clearly that we have some cases before the court that are under prosecution, and we have secured convictions in some of these cases.”
The commander said the agency had strengthened collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts against human trafficking.
He added that some suspected traffickers operating under the guise of travel agencies had already been apprehended, while investigations and prosecution of others were ongoing.
“Some of these so-called agents that are not registered with NANTA, but are working as travel agents, are in our nets already. They have been arrested for the kind of things they are doing,” he said.
Earlier, the Civil Society Organisation Network on Migration and Development urged the Ondo State Government to appoint a Special Adviser on Migration to coordinate migration-related matters and strengthen support for Ondo indigenes returning from abroad.
Speaking at the event commemorating the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Trapped Behind the Scam,” Franklin Oloniju said deceptive recruitment schemes, fake employment offers, scholarship opportunities, travel arrangements and other fraudulent promises continued to expose vulnerable people to human trafficking.
He expressed concern over the absence of adequate reintegration structures for returnees and called on the state government to take urgent action.
“In Ondo State, we call on the government to, as a matter of urgency, appoint an adviser on migration to coordinate activities of Ondo State indigenes who oftentimes were left hanging due to the lack of a supportive structure to reintegrate them effortlessly,” Oloniju said.
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