THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Bauchi State Command, has disclosed that it rescued 25 indigenes of the state who were trafficked to various African countries, predominantly Libya and Morocco.
The State Coordinator, Alhaji Atiku Kalli, made this known on Tuesday in a goodwill message at the opening of a two-day Review and Validation Workshop for the Bauchi Youth Policy.
The workshop, organised by the Bauchi State Government through the SDGs Office with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is aimed at developing an inclusive, responsive and sustainable framework for youth development.
According to Mr Kalli, the majority of the victims are youths who are discontented with their circumstances at home and eager to “japa” to what they believe are greener pastures abroad.
He also revealed that Bauchi State recorded a total of 70 cases and secured three convictions between January and October 2026, while other cases remain ongoing in various courts. He vowed that the agency would not relent in its efforts to bring perpetrators to book.
“From January to date, the agency was able to record 70 cases of trafficking, including 25 victims that were rescued from trafficking situations involving foreign countries in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM),” he said.
“The agency, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is working to receive, profile and reintegrate returned migrants into their communities.”
Mr Kalli further disclosed that NAPTIP had intensified sensitisation campaigns, reaching more than 50 communities in Bauchi within the year through physical engagements.
He said the campaigns involved visits to schools, motor parks and local communities, as well as engagements with relevant stakeholders.
“The agency is into raising awareness through radio and television programmes to reach out to millions of listeners and viewers. We also engaged with women groups to promote activities around trafficking and gender-based violence,” he added.
The NAPTIP State Coordinator identified prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy as the agency’s five strategic approaches to combating human trafficking.
He also disclosed that the agency has commenced investigations into complaints involving agents allegedly recruiting girls from rural communities to cities.
The agency, he said, was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to protect women, children and other vulnerable persons from trafficking and exploitation.
