The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Maiduguri Zonal Command, announced the rescue of 253 human trafficking victims and individuals affected by related crimes in 2024.

The Zonal Commander, Mohammed Barde, shared the update on Thursday in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. He revealed that among the rescued victims, 163 were minors aged between 0 and 17 years, including 105 females and 58 males. The remaining 90 victims were adults.

In addition to rescuing the victims, the command secured nine convictions for various offenses in 2024. The victims received legal and medical support, rehabilitation, and reintegration services. Efforts to trace and reunite them with their families were also carried out, with some victims empowered to rebuild their lives.

Barde emphasized the agency’s preventive efforts, including extensive awareness campaigns in markets, schools, communities, and motor parks to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

The commander also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in combating trafficking, thanking community leaders, NGOs, and other partners for their continued support. He reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to intensifying efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and prosecute traffickers to create a safer society.