CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS OF NATIONALAGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFICKING IN PERSONS (NAPTIP) IN CONTROLLING HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIAAND THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

This study examined the role of the National Agency for the
Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating
human trafficking in selected cities within North-West Nigeria.
Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through
in-depth interviews with informants in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina,
and Sokoto. The study focused on two main objectives: to examine
the strategies adopted by NAPTIP in addressing human
trafficking, and to assess the challenges that limit the agency's
effectiveness in carrying out its mandate. Findings revealed that
NAPTIP employed a multifaceted approach that included
surveillance operations, inter-agency collaboration, community
sensitization, and victim rehabilitation. However, the agency faced
challenges such as inadequate funding, inadequate staffing, and
the sophisticated networks by the traffickers. The thematic
analysis of officials' responses shows the pressing need for
stronger institutional capacity and community-level engagement
in anti-trafficking initiatives. The study concluded that while
NAPTIP has made significant progress, its effectiveness is
constrained by structural and operational limitations.
Recommendations include increased government funding,
capacity building, stronger legal enforcement, and enhanced
collaboration with international and local partners.