NAPTIP Arrests 120 Suspected Human Traffickers in Ondo, Rescues 300 Victims

The Ondo State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested no fewer than 120 suspected human traffickers across the state in the last three years. The agency has also rescued more than 300 victims since it commenced operations in the state in November 2023.

Taiwo Adegboyega, the State Commander of NAPTIP, disclosed this on Friday in Akure, the state capital, during a programme organised by the Civil Society Organisation Network on Migration and Development to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Adegboyega said several of the suspects arrested by the command were already facing prosecution, while the agency had secured convictions in some trafficking cases within the period under review. He also noted that the command has 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 in the fight against human trafficking.

According to him, some suspected traffickers operating under the guise of travel agencies had already been arrested, while others were still being investigated or prepared for prosecution.

“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 called on the Ondo State Government to appoint a Special Adviser on Migration to coordinate migration-related issues and provide stronger support for Ondo indigenes returning from abroad.

Franklin Oloniju, the network's coordinator, said deceptive recruitment schemes, fake jobs, scholarships, travel opportunities, and other fraudulent promises continued to expose vulnerable people to trafficking.

### Key Factors

  • NAPTIP arrested 120 suspected human traffickers in Ondo state in the last three years.
  • The agency has rescued more than 300 victims since it commenced operations in the state in November 2023.
  • Several of the suspects arrested by the command were already facing prosecution.
  • The agency has secured convictions in some trafficking cases within the period under review.
  • NAPTIP has strengthened collaboration with security stakeholders to fight human trafficking.

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.

### Context

Human trafficking remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with many victims being exploited for forced labour, sex, and other forms of exploitation. The Nigerian government has taken steps to combat human trafficking, including strengthening cooperation with security stakeholders and improving the prosecution of traffickers.