By Emmanuella Oghenetega
Human trafficking remains one of the most pervasive forms of organized crime in Nigeria, with devastating consequences for individuals and families. Nigeria has drawn significant scrutiny from international organizations and human rights groups. Despite concerted efforts by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and its partners, the crime remains widespread. Recent incidents in 2025 and 2026 underscore both the evolving tactics of trafficking syndicates and the intensified efforts to dismantle them.
Human trafficking involves the illegal trade of humans for exploitation, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involuntary servitude. Nigeria’s role as a source and transit hub has made it a focal point for trafficking syndicates operating within the country and across borders to Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa.
Economic hardship pushes vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, into dangerous situations; Weak law enforcement and corrupt officials often facilitate traffickers operations; also, many nigerians, particularly in rural areas, remain unaware of trafficking tactics, making them easy targets for false promises of employment or education.
In recent times, a surge in both trafficking activities and successful rescue operations across Nigeria has been witnessed
In early 2026, NAPTIP intensified its operations, conducting high-profile raids targeting trafficking hotspots. On February 12, operatives raided a hotel in Sabon Gari, Kano State, rescuing seven women aged 21 to 24 who were being prepared for trafficking to Baghdad, Iraq. Days earlier, on February 2, a joint operation with the military in Onitsha, Anambra State, rescued 17 victims and arrested four suspected traffickers. Disturbingly, four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and had been denied access to their antiretroviral medication by their captors.
In a cross-border operation on March 16, 2026, 44 Ghanaian nationals, 27 men and 17 women, were rescued from trafficking camps in Akwa Ibom State. Lured with promises of lucrative jobs and pathways to Europe, they were instead held captive in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene, subjected to psychological coercion and forced to recruit others. The operation, a joint effort by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) and Ghanaian authorities, led to their repatriation on March 20 and highlighted the critical need for regional cooperation.
Also, on January 28, 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army and NAPTIP raided the Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in Calabar, arresting seven suspected traffickers while they negotiated the sale of a day-old baby boy for ₦3 million. The suspects, including individuals from Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, were handed over for prosecution, and the infant was placed in protective care. The case exposed the continued existence of illegal adoption and “baby factory” syndicates operating with the complicity of medical facilities.
And, on January 22, 2026, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State arrested a 28-year-old woman, Kemi Kolawole, for allegedly trafficking a 17-year-old girl to Côte d’Ivoire and Libya for prostitution. The victim was lured with false job promises in November 2025, and the suspect’s husband, believed to be a key figure, remains at large.
These recent incidents build on earlier cases that exposed the depth of trafficking networks. In 2023, over 50 children were rescued from forced labor in Kano after being kidnapped and trafficked under the guise of employment. Similarly, in 2022, Nigerian nationals were discovered among thousands of migrants trafficked through the Sahara Desert to Libya, with many minors sold into prostitution or forced labor upon reaching Europe. An adoption scam in Ogun State in 2023 also revealed a syndicate trafficking children from rural areas to urban centers with the help of corrupt social workers and hospital staff.
Despite these achievements, NAPTIP continues to face significant hurdles. The agency remains underfunded, limiting its capacity for large-scale operations and long-term survivor support. Many law enforcement officers lack specialized training in handling trafficking cases, and interagency coordination remains weak. Persistent corruption among officials undermines investigations and allows traffickers to evade justice.
Although Nigeria passed the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act in 2015, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many traffickers go unpunished, and victims often face barriers to justice. Human trafficking is rarely prioritized as a national security threat, resulting in limited government intervention and support for anti-trafficking agencies.
Nigeria’s poorly secured borders facilitate the movement of trafficking victims, and border control agencies often lack the resources and training to detect trafficking cases. Coordination between federal, state, and local governments remains poor, leaving many victims unprotected, particularly at the local level.
Addressing human trafficking in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond law enforcement. Adequate funding is essential for expanding rescue operations, improving victim support services, and scaling up public awareness campaigns. Greater investment in training for law enforcement and NAPTIP personnel is also critical.
The government must ensure full enforcement of existing anti-trafficking laws and prioritize the prosecution of traffickers, especially those operating within organized criminal networks. Stronger penalties and swifter judicial processes would serve as deterrents.
Enhanced resources and coordination between the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), NAPTIP, and other security agencies are needed to secure Nigeria’s borders and prevent the illegal movement of victims. Collaborating with NGOs, media outlets, and community leaders to educate vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas, about the dangers of trafficking is essential. Awareness campaigns should target schools, religious institutions, and local communities.
Given the transnational nature of trafficking, Nigeria must deepen cooperation with neighboring countries and international bodies such as Interpol, the United Nations, and the European Union. Joint operations like the March 2026 rescue of Ghanaian victims in Akwa Ibom demonstrate the value of cross-border collaboration.
Long-term prevention requires addressing the structural drivers of trafficking: poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. Investments in rural development, vocational training, and accessible education will reduce vulnerability and offer viable alternatives to risky migration.
Human trafficking remains a grave human rights challenge in Nigeria, affecting thousands of lives each year. Recent incidents from 2025 and 2026, including the dismantling of baby trafficking syndicates, cross-border rescues, and record convictions, highlights both the persistence of the crime and the growing capacity of NAPTIP and its partners to respond. Yet, significant gaps remain.
The Nigerian government must demonstrate stronger political will, allocate adequate resources, and improve coordination across all levels of governance to combat trafficking effectively. By combining legal reform, enhanced border security, community education, and sustained international cooperation, Nigeria can make meaningful progress toward eradicating this devastating crime and protecting its most vulnerable citizens. The recent successes offer a blueprint; the challenge now lies in scaling and sustaining them.
