The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 25 indigenes of Bauchi State from human trafficking situations in Libya, Morocco and other foreign countries.
The agency also recorded 70 human trafficking cases in the state between January and October 2026, secured three convictions and has several other cases pending in court.
The Bauchi State Coordinator of NAPTIP, Alhaji Atiku Kalli, disclosed this during a two-day workshop to review and validate the proposed Bauchi State Youth Policy.
The workshop was organised by the state government through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) office, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Kalli said many young people fell victim to traffickers while seeking better economic opportunities abroad, believing they would find improved living conditions outside Nigeria.
“From January to date, the agency was able to record 70 cases of trafficking, including 25 victims that were rescued from trafficking situations involving foreign countries in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM),” he said.
He explained that NAPTIP was working with relevant organisations to receive returned migrants, assess their circumstances and help them reintegrate into their communities.
The coordinator said the agency had also stepped up public awareness campaigns, reaching more than 50 communities across Bauchi State during the year.
He said the campaigns covered schools, motor parks and rural communities, while radio and television programmes were used to educate more residents about the dangers of human trafficking.
“We also engaged with women’s groups to promote activities around trafficking and gender-based violence,” Kalli said.
He identified prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy as the five key approaches guiding the agency’s efforts to combat human trafficking.
Kalli also disclosed that the agency had begun investigating complaints against agents allegedly recruiting girls from rural communities and taking them to cities.
He said NAPTIP was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to protect women, children and other vulnerable persons from trafficking and exploitation.
The coordinator urged young people to acquire vocational skills and explore legitimate economic opportunities rather than put their lives at risk through irregular migration.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging young people to take advantage of available opportunities and pursue sustainable livelihoods within the country.
NAPTIP rescues 25 Bauchi indigenes from human trafficking abroad