The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has outlined a renewed strategy anchored on intelligence-led policing and inter-agency synergy to strengthen Nigeria’s response to human trafficking.
The IGP made this known on Tuesday while receiving the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, during a courtesy visit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The meeting, which brought together top officials from both institutions, focused on enhancing collaboration to tackle the evolving threats posed by human trafficking and related transnational crimes.
Speaking during the engagement, the NAPTIP Director-General commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and acknowledged its sustained operational support in combating trafficking in persons across the country.
She emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration, particularly in the areas of technical support, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to enable the agency effectively discharge its expanding mandate.
Responding, the Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to supporting NAPTIP, stressing that a more coordinated and intelligence-driven approach would be adopted going forward.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to supporting NAPTIP in the fight against human trafficking and related offences,” the IGP said.
He added, “We are shifting more deliberately towards intelligence-led policing, leveraging real-time information sharing, joint operational planning, and strategic deployment of resources to dismantle organized criminal networks.”
The IGP further disclosed that the Force would deploy liaison officers to strengthen coordination between both agencies and ensure seamless operational engagement.
“In practical terms, this collaboration will be strengthened through the deployment of liaison officers, improved intelligence exchange platforms, and sustained joint operations aimed at disrupting trafficking syndicates at all levels,” he stated.
Highlighting the technical support framework, the IGP pledged the involvement of specialized units within the Force to boost NAPTIP’s operational capacity.
“We will make available the expertise of the Intelligence Response Team and the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to support investigations, particularly in cases involving digital and transnational elements,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of capacity building, noting that targeted training programmes would be organized for NAPTIP personnel within Police training institutions.
“Capacity development remains critical. We will facilitate specialized training programmes designed to equip NAPTIP operatives with the skills required to confront emerging trends in trafficking and organized crime,” the IGP added.
The police chief further revealed that mechanisms would be put in place to sustain the partnership and monitor progress over time.
“To ensure that this collaboration yields measurable results, we will institutionalize regular strategic briefings and performance reviews. This will enable us to assess progress, address challenges, and maintain operational momentum,” he noted.
Reaffirming the Force’s stance, the IGP declared a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking and warned perpetrators that there would be no safe haven for criminal networks operating within the country.
“This strengthened partnership sends a clear message, there will be no hiding place for those involved in human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that offenders are identified, tracked, and brought to justice,” he said.
The engagement marks a significant step toward consolidating national efforts to combat human trafficking, with both agencies expressing optimism that the renewed collaboration would enhance enforcement outcomes and protect vulnerable populations.
