In spite of heavy rainfall in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) demonstrated unwavering commitment on Monday by leading a high-profile public awareness walk.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the walk was aimed at exposing the tactics of human traffickers and warning Nigerians about the growing menace.

The event was a key part of the 2025 International Day Against Human Trafficking activities, underscoring the urgency to end trafficking in Nigeria and beyond.

NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, with other dignitaries during the 2025 International Day Against Human Trafficking celebration in Abuja.

Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, Director-General of NAPTIP, described the walk as a powerful show of force and a resolute message to traffickers across Nigeria and the African region that their criminal operations would no longer be tolerated.

“We are sending a clear warning to organised trafficking syndicates, your time is up,” she said, as the agency distributed symbolic “Red Cards” and informational leaflets to the public.

Adamu-Bello highlighted NAPTIP’s strengthened collaboration with grassroots groups, spanning all 774 Local Government Areas.

These partnerships include road transport unions, women’s organisations, religious and traditional leaders, and state governments, all aimed at building community resistance against trafficking.

The agency’s efforts were strongly supported by international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Other key partners include the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIAPP).

Speaking at the event, UNODC Project Coordinator, Aishat Braiman, emphasised the critical role of prevention in dismantling trafficking networks, stating, “Our focus is on empowering communities to build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit.”

Meanwhile, Isabelle Wolfsgruber, Head of ICMPD Nigeria, called on the media to intensify coverage of anti-trafficking campaigns, especially targeting schools and grassroots communities, to amplify public awareness.

Mr Javier Leon, Team Lead at FIAPP, represented by Mr Bello Omotosho, Technical Adviser, Institutional Strengthening, reaffirmed the organisation’s steadfast support for NAPTIP’s mission to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.

The awareness walk, conducted under challenging weather conditions, sent a strong signal that Nigeria was intensifying its fight against human trafficking through robust collaboration, community engagement, and international partnerships. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)