NAPTIP wins 20 SGBV cases and saves 3,000 victims

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has recorded over 20 convictions for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence offences. They have also rescued more than 3,000 victims this year, 2026.

Mr Vincent Adekoye, who heads the Press and Public Relations Unit at NAPTIP, shared this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

Adekoye mentioned that three of the convictions led to life sentences. He added that most of these cases involved rape.

"From January 2026 to now, we have rescued over 3,000 people from critical situations. We have also arrested a lot of suspects and are prosecuting many of them," he said.

Strengthening Collaboration

Adekoye explained that NAPTIP is improving its response to SGBV by working closely with the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant ministries and agencies.

The agency is also reaching out to communities and training frontline responders. This aims to enhance prevention, reporting, and response to SGBV.

He called on those committing these crimes to stop. He reminded them that they could face prosecution under laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act.

Adekoye highlighted important legal frameworks for protecting victims. These include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Maputo Protocol.

Media Engagement

He also mentioned the recent launch of an SGBV media corps by NAPTIP, aimed at getting stronger media support in the fight against these crimes.

Adekoye urged journalists to go beyond just reporting individual cases. He wants them to look into the reasons behind the rise in SGBV and examine how key institutions, customs, norms, and behaviours contribute to the issue.

"We want the media to ask why cases are rising and look into the roles of critical institutions, customs, norms, behaviours and habits in addressing the problem," he said.

He encouraged journalists to adopt a victim-centred approach in their reporting. This should protect the dignity, privacy, and safety of survivors.

"We must protect the victims, ensure their dignity and privacy are protected, and help them regain trust in society," he said.

NAN reports that NAPTIP organized the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Media Corps Workshop. This was supported by the European Union Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Programme, which is implemented by International IDEA.