DEVATOP and Partners Unite with Nigeria Immigration Service to Combat Human Trafficking in Commemoration of the World Day Against Human Trafficking
On July 30, 2025, in commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Devatop Centre for Africa Development joined six other civil society organizations for a strategic engagement with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, Seme Border. The engagement, which focused on strengthening the fight against human trafficking across Nigeria’s border communities, was organized by DEVATOP in collaboration with Kanem Care Foundation, CAPRIGHT Initiative, MAEJT Nigeria, Emajo African Arts Initiative, Timidi Ayamba Foundation Empowerment, and Chetachi Foundation. Representing Devatop were Janet Homo Ebitaniyan the Program Lead, Abba Victor, and Peculiar Inana.
The meeting opened with a welcome address by Ms. Elizabeth, who commended the collaborative efforts of the organizers and underscored the importance of partnerships in tackling human trafficking. Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu of the Seme Border Command delivered the keynote address, describing trafficking in persons as a grave crime that must be collectively dismantled. He reaffirmed the Immigration Service’s commitment to combating trafficking through collaboration and pledged to relay the outcomes of the session to the Service Headquarters in Abuja. He also encouraged his officers to listen attentively and actively participate in the discussions. Goodwill messages from DCI Migration Officer Ladidi Bawa and Anti-Trafficking Officer Knight highlighted the magnitude of trafficking in Nigeria and the widespread lack of awareness among vulnerable communities.
A keynote presentation by Mrs. Okey Jones of TAFE drove home the human impact of trafficking, featuring the story of Amaka, a survivor trafficked to Europe for sex work. Her session highlighted the critical stages of anti-trafficking intervention, including identification, protection, legal assistance, psychosocial support, livelihood empowerment, prosecution, and the disruption of trafficking networks and their financial systems. This was followed by an insightful presentation from Mrs. Ngozi of CAPRIGHT, who explained the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act. She stressed the importance of legal literacy for officers and revealed that despite the existence of legal frameworks, weak public understanding and inadequate penalties continue to undermine enforcement. She also shared the alarming statistic that between 750,000 and 1 million Nigerians are trafficked each year.
Peculiar Inana from Devatop led a practical session on reporting mechanisms and case management, emphasizing the roles of NAPTIP, credible NGOs, and digital platforms such as the TALKAM App. She explained the importance of timely and factual reporting, the procedures for managing trafficking cases, and the pathway from investigation to reintegration and prosecution. An interactive session allowed participants to raise critical issues, including current trafficking trends, the challenge of porous borders, and the problem of officer complicity. Officers also highlighted operational constraints such as manpower shortages and the need for better welfare and essential equipment.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from CAPRIGHT and closing remarks by Comptroller Adamu, who expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort and emphasized the need for practical support to strengthen border operations. He specifically requested items such as raincoats, Wellington boots, umbrellas, and a dedicated vehicle for the humane transport of rescued victims. The engagement underscored the importance of collective action, practical support, and continuous collaboration in dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable lives across Nigeria’s borders.
