The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Jigawa State Command, has rescued 258 victims of human trafficking and brought them back to their families. In the last 18 months, 512 people from Jigawa who were stranded abroad have also been returned home.
This news comes as the world marks the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This day aims to expose trafficking scams, protect vulnerable people, and stop children and young people from becoming victims.
On Thursday, the State Commander, Abdulkadir Turajo, spoke to journalists at the command headquarters in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State. He mentioned that Jigawa is a major source and transit point for traffickers who take people to Europe and the Middle East.
Since the Jigawa State Command started in July 2023, it has recorded 78 trafficking cases at the border with Niger Republic. They have rescued 258 victims and reunited them with their families. They have also secured two convictions, including one against a foreign national.
"Between January 2025 and July 2026, 512 Jigawa indigenes were returned by the International Organisation for Migration from different countries in partnership with NAPTIP," he added.
Turajo pointed out that traffickers now use fake job ads, scam compounds, and online fraud to trick unsuspecting youths. This aligns with this year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam.”
"Trafficking is modern slavery. It involves deception, debt bondage, and force to make people work in terrible conditions," he said.
He warned that this crime boosts corruption, irregular migration, terrorism, drug trafficking, and other organized crimes. It also damages Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
To mark the day, the command held six awareness campaigns in Kazaure and Roni Local Government Areas, which are among the most affected areas in the state.
Turajo mentioned that they have conducted over 150 awareness programs in schools, markets, mosques, churches, and communities across the 27 local government areas of the state in the past three years.
He said the command has also set up anti-trafficking and anti-violence groups in selected schools to address the issue at the community level.
Turajo warned traffickers in or passing through Jigawa to stop their activities. He also asked the public not to hide traffickers or victims of trafficking.
Some residents of Dutse shared their thoughts on the awareness campaigns. They said the campaigns are timely, especially with the growing pressure on young people to look for opportunities abroad.
Aisha Maraya, a trader at Dutse Market, said, "We hear stories of girls promised jobs in Dubai or Libya but end up stranded. The government should keep educating parents so they don’t fall for fake offers."
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