NAPTIP rescues 252 victims in Katsina

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 202 victims of human trafficking in Katsina State between January and July 2026, highlighting the persistent threat of traffickers despite ongoing awareness campaigns. The Katsina State Commander of NAPTIP, Musa Aliou, announced the figures on Thursday during the commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

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Today, being the 30th of July, is a day set aside by the United Nations to commemorate the fight against human trafficking. The essence of today is to unite and educate the general public on the dangers and evil of human trafficking.

Aliou stated that the rescued individuals comprised 147 females and 55 males. NAPTIP is continuing its efforts to identify and support other victims across the state. The agency organized public enlightenment programs, including radio discussions, television interviews, and a road walk through Katsina metropolis, to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking and encourage collective action.

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We started before today with several radio programmes. Today, I also had an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). We equally conducted a road walk from the Katsina GRA Flyover to the NATO park, covering about three kilometres, to create awareness.

NAPTIP has identified transport operators as crucial partners in combating trafficking, as they frequently encounter victims and suspects. The agency has secured commitments from transport union leaders to report suspicious movements. Aliou stressed that combating human trafficking requires a collective effort, urging all citizens to join NAPTIP in fighting this menace, as traffickers employ various deceptive tactics to lure victims.

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Human trafficking is everybody’s business. It is not only NAPTIP that can fight it. We are calling on all citizens to join hands with us to combat this menace because traffickers use different tricks to lure their victims.

The agency expressed concern over the rising trend of internal trafficking within Katsina State, noting that it has become more prevalent than international trafficking. Women and children are identified as the most vulnerable groups, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspected trafficking cases promptly. NAPTIP's awareness campaign aims to educate the public on identifying different forms of trafficking.

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In this part of the country, especially in Katsina State, internal trafficking is more common than international trafficking. We have educated the public on how to identify trafficking and the different forms it takes.