The Federal Government has sounded the alarm over human traffickers’ growing use of digital platforms to recruit and exploit victims, Attorney‑General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said at Abuja’s 27th National Stakeholders’ Forum on Human Trafficking.
Describing trafficking as the world’s third‑most lucrative crime after drugs and arms, Fagbemi urged Nigeria to match criminals’ technological savvy with robust legal and institutional responses.
“Trafficking has gone digital. We must act fast or risk being outpaced by criminals who now use sophisticated online tools to recruit, control and exploit victims,” he warned.
Fagbemi highlighted the ongoing review of the National Action Plan as a key opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s anti‑trafficking framework. He called on state commissioners for Women Affairs to champion policies and budgets specifically targeting trafficking prevention and survivor support.
NAPTIP Director‑General Binta Adamu Bello reported that over 7,000 victims were rescued and rehabilitated between 2022 and 2024, with 205 convictions secured. She detailed the rollout of digital tools—developed with UNODC and Swiss support—for improved case tracking and data collection.
UNODC Representative Cheikh Touré praised Nigeria’s efforts but stressed that policy requires local action. He urged enhanced coordination, data systems and survivor‑led strategies to uphold human dignity and national security in the digital age.
