By Ngozi Nwankwo
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons,NAPTIP, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMP, have held workshop to scale approach and strategies to tackle Trafficking in Persons, TIP, and Violence Against Persons, VAP.
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, the Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, said 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.
This workshop was organized by 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.
It would be recalled that the increasing reliance on technology by criminal networks to perpetrate Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Persons in Nigeria has created serious challenges for investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies. Offenders exploit social media platforms, encrypted communication channels, and digital payment systems to recruit, control, and exploit victims while masking their identities and operations.
The Director General pointed out that “ The complex nature of Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Persons 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.
In his speech, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, 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.
