In a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to join hands with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to enhance the effectiveness of their operations. The announcement was made on October 10, 2024, during a pivotal meeting between NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, and the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
This development marks a new chapter in the war against human trafficking, a scourge that has plagued Nigeria for years. During the visit, Bello emphasized the deep-rooted connection between human trafficking and financial crimes, declaring trafficking as another form of corruption. She lauded the longstanding partnership between NAPTIP and the EFCC, which has already yielded impressive results, including joint operations that have led to the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of human traffickers.
However, Bello urged for even stronger cooperation. She called for an intensified synergy between both agencies, particularly in raising public awareness about the links between human trafficking and corruption. She also emphasized the need for closer collaboration in tracing illicit funds generated from trafficking operations and more seamless information sharing between the two bodies. “Human trafficking is a financial crime at its core, and we need to ensure that traffickers are not only apprehended but also deprived of the financial gains they make from exploiting vulnerable individuals,” Bello stated.
Responding to the call, EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede welcomed the proposals for a more robust collaboration and pledged the full support of the anti-graft agency. He expressed gratitude to the Director General for the visit and assured her of the EFCC's readiness to work closely with NAPTIP in all areas of its mandate. “Human trafficking is a criminal enterprise that we are committed to eradicating, and we stand ready to partner with NAPTIP in bringing perpetrators to justice,” Olukoyede said.
The meeting was attended by top directors from both agencies, further underscoring the gravity of this newfound commitment. Both NAPTIP and the EFCC agreed to ramp up joint efforts in not only tackling trafficking networks but also following the money trail, ensuring that the financial backbones of these criminal organizations are dismantled.
