Customs, NAPTIP Strengthen Partnership to Tackle Human Trafficking and Smuggling

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, cross-border crimes, and smuggling of prohibited goods across the country’s frontiers.The renewed partnership was announced following a strategic meeting between the leadership of both agencies in Abuja, aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity building among their officers.

Speaking at the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing the complex challenges posed by transnational crimes. He noted that human trafficking and smuggling are interlinked crimes that undermine national security, economic growth, and human dignity.

Adeniyi said the Customs Service, through its extensive network of border commands and surveillance systems, plays a crucial role in identifying and intercepting illegal movements of persons and goods. He stressed that closer collaboration with NAPTIP would enhance the detection and prevention of trafficking activities along Nigeria’s land borders, airports, and seaports.

“Our officers are strategically positioned across entry and exit points nationwide. Strengthening our cooperation with NAPTIP will help ensure that traffickers and smugglers no longer exploit our borders for illegal operations,” Adeniyi said. “This collaboration is not only about enforcement but also about protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, who are often victims of exploitation.”

He explained that the Customs Service had recorded several breakthroughs in recent months through intelligence-driven operations that led to the rescue of trafficking victims and the arrest of suspects involved in illegal border activities. He assured that such successes would be expanded through structured coordination with NAPTIP.

In her remarks, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, lauded the Customs Service for its proactive stance and commitment to curbing border-related crimes. She said that human trafficking continues to evolve in sophistication, requiring stronger collaboration among government agencies to combat the menace effectively.

Waziri-Azi disclosed that traffickers have increasingly adopted new strategies, including the use of disguised trade activities and illegal migration routes to transport victims. She noted that Customs officers, often being the first point of contact at borders, play a vital role in identifying and intercepting suspicious movements.

“We cannot win the war against human trafficking in isolation. The Customs Service is a critical partner because traffickers use trade and transport channels to move their victims. By working together, we can close the gaps and ensure that our borders are no longer safe havens for traffickers and smugglers,” Waziri-Azi said.

She also highlighted the need for continuous training and sensitization of Customs personnel on the indicators of human trafficking and how to handle victims with care and confidentiality. According to her, building the capacity of frontline officers would improve early detection and timely referral of cases to NAPTIP for investigation and prosecution.

Both agencies agreed to establish a Joint Task Team that will coordinate intelligence sharing, border patrol operations, and case referrals. The team will also develop standard operating procedures to guide officers on effective inter-agency collaboration.

Waziri-Azi reaffirmed NAPTIP’s readiness to provide technical support, including awareness materials and victim protection guidelines, to Customs personnel. She also called for public cooperation in reporting suspicious cross-border movements and human trafficking networks.

In addition, Adeniyi disclosed that the NCS has intensified its border security modernization efforts through the deployment of advanced scanning systems, surveillance drones, and digital data-sharing platforms. He noted that these innovations will enhance real-time information exchange with NAPTIP and other security agencies.

“Technology and intelligence are at the heart of modern border management. Through our partnership with NAPTIP, we will ensure that every person or consignment passing through Nigerian borders is subject to strict monitoring,” Adeniyi said.

Observers in the security and migration sectors have commended the move, describing it as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s national response to human trafficking and illegal trade. They noted that the partnership reflects the government’s renewed commitment to fulfilling international obligations under the Palermo Protocol and other anti-trafficking conventions.

The Customs chief further urged the public to desist from aiding or abetting human trafficking and smuggling, stressing that the Service will continue to enforce border laws without compromise.

The meeting concluded with both agencies signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize their partnership and ensure sustainable coordination in combating transnational organized crimes.

With this renewed alliance, the Nigeria Customs Service and NAPTIP are expected to jointly enhance border security, promote lawful trade, and safeguard the rights and dignity of Nigerians across all borders.