WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised concerns over the widespread issues of human trafficking and irregular migration, which have now become endemic across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. The agency is seeking greater collaboration with other state and federal bodies to address these growing challenges, with a particular emphasis on the need for coordinated efforts to tackle trafficking and migration violations. Ganiu Aganran, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in Benin, emphasized the agency’s comprehensive strategy to address these issues. He stated: “NAPTIP uses five approaches of policy, partnership, protection, prosecution, and prevention in tackling trafficking in persons and irregular migration,” he said. “We have to work together in awareness creation and intelligence sharing. When there is a need for referral of cases, arrest, and investigation, don’t hesitate to call us because we are there for you.” “Also we are here to let you know that the Edo State Taskforce on Human Trafficking dovetails into Edo State Migration Agency, and seek your support and collaboration in tackling trafficking and illegal migration in the state,” he said. This collaboration aims to strengthen efforts in addressing the pervasive issues of human trafficking and irregular migration in Nigeria. According to the Global Slavery Index (2023), Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of trafficked persons, with an estimated 1.4 million Nigerians trapped in modern slavery, the majority being women and girls. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been involved in implementing Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Human Trafficking for 2022-2026. The initiative aims to combat human trafficking through clear objectives and coordinated efforts among stakeholders.