As part of its renewed strategy to strengthen the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured a commitment of robust collaboration from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, led a delegation to the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where she met with the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), to discuss strengthening institutional partnerships.
Speaking during the visit, Bello said the engagement was part of NAPTIP’s ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration with strategic sister agencies, enhance synergy in operations, and ensure a more coordinated response to organized transnational crimes.
“In today’s security landscape, the complexities of crime especially organized transnational crime require closer cooperation. Drug trafficking and human trafficking are increasingly interconnected. Victims, particularly women and children, are often used as drug couriers or subjected to substance abuse as a means of control,” she said.
She stressed that intelligence reports have shown that criminal networks involved in both drug and human trafficking often overlap, reinforcing the need for a united front.
Responding, Brigadier General Marwa commended the NAPTIP DG for hitting the ground running since her appointment, noted her visible impact in the arrest of traffickers and the rescue of victims. He described NAPTIP as a vital and strategic partner in the fight against trafficking and pledged NDLEA’s full support.
“NAPTIP is a critical agency, and its work deserves the backing of all law enforcement bodies. We look forward to working together more closely through a mutually agreed legal framework that will enhance joint operations and intelligence sharing,” he said.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to set up a joint operational team that will drive enhanced collaboration between NAPTIP and NDLEA.
Senior directors from both agencies were present at the meeting.
