*Fresh crackdown targets rising abuse of women, children in trafficking networks

In a renewed effort to tackle the growing convergence between drug and human trafficking in the country, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, have established liaison teams aimed at strengthening operational collaboration and dismantling networks exploiting vulnerable Nigerians.

The strategic move was formalised on Friday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, following a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs Binta Lami Adamu Bello, to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd).

Director of Media and Advocacy of the agency, Mr Femi Babafemi, in a statement said the initiative seeks to address the increasing use of women, children and other vulnerable individuals as drug couriers and trafficking victims, in a pattern that has alarmed authorities and civil society alike.

Marwa, while congratulating Mrs Adamu Bello on her appointment, underscored the urgent need for synergy between the two agencies, noting that many trafficking victims are unknowingly used to transport narcotics.

“There is a linkage between human trafficking and drug trafficking and abuse. Some victims are used as mules, some knowingly, others unknowingly. They may be drugged to comply or have narcotics concealed in their belongings,” he said.

He emphasised the need to formalise the collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to clearly define the scope of cooperation, while announcing the formation of a three-member NDLEA liaison team to engage directly with NAPTIP.

On her part, the NAPTIP Director-General highlighted the overlap between both crimes, saying they thrive on similar enabling factors such as porous borders, corruption, poverty, weak institutional frameworks, and misuse of digital technologies.

“Women and children are increasingly being used as drug couriers, and many victims are drugged and subjected to substance abuse as a form of control. Intelligence reports have shown that the criminal networks behind these crimes often operate together, making it imperative for a coordinated response,” she said.

Adamu Bello proposed key areas of collaboration, including joint investigations, intelligence sharing, training, public sensitisation, legal reforms, and regular bilateral review meetings. She further advocated enhanced engagement with international partners to bolster ongoing efforts by both agencies.

She said: “NAPTIP is fully committed to partnership, professionalism and patriotic service. We believe that through joint action, we can disrupt these criminal networks and protect the lives and dignity of vulnerable Nigerians.”

The partnership is expected to serve as a critical step towards improving the national response to trafficking-related crimes, especially as Nigeria continues to face international scrutiny over the effectiveness of its anti-trafficking framework.

“Both agencies are expected to commence joint action planning in the coming weeks, with the newly formed liaison teams tasked with drawing up a strategic operational roadmap.