OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE, KWARA STATE
WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRasaq, the Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, joins the international community in observing the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Today, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ending human trafficking, exploitation including the illicit harvesting of organs, a crime that shocks the conscience and violates fundamental human rights.
Our administration has demonstrated a strong and high sense of responsibility in prosecuting Human traffic offenders and have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, domestic violence and all forms of abuse affecting the rights of others. This firm stance aims to deter those involved in these heinous acts. Over the last one year, the Ministry of Justice and the Kwara State Task Force on Human Trafficking have recorded many cases on human trafficking and abuse. These achievements reflect our resolve to hold offenders accountable and safeguard vulnerable individuals.
Collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders in the State are yielding positive results as more people are aware of the crime and consequently, they are emboldened to lodge complaints against suspected Human Trafficking incidences. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Binta Adamu Bello OON, Director-General of NAPTIP, for her exemplary leadership and dedication to combating trafficking nationwide. Kwara State is proud to partner closely with NAPTIP, contributing to national efforts that saw over 285 victims rescued and 22 suspected traffickers arrested in 2024 alone.
AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS & FUNDING
As part of the Kwara Government’s proactive interventions, Kwara State now has a budget line for the implementation of the laws on Human trafficking. Early this year, a specific amount of money was released to support the Kwara State Task Force on Human Trafficking. This funding has enabled targeted awareness and sensitization campaigns in Baruten Local Government Area, identified as a critical high-risk zone due to its proximity to international borders. We are committed to extending these outreach efforts to every Local Government Area across the State in the coming months.
COMBATING TRAFFICKING REQUIRES A UNITED FRONT
We call upon Local and state agency officials, Security and law enforcement bodies, Traditional and community leaders, Civil society organizations, and International partners to collaborate with us in dismantling trafficking networks, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators to account. The Government of Kwara State remains steadfast in its mission to protect human dignity, uphold justice, and enforce the full weight of the law. Traffickers, especially those exploiting human beings for organ sale, should be under no illusion: our justice system will find you, prosecute you, and convict you.
On the World Day Against Trafficking 2025, we must cast away the complacency that has emboldened the perpetrators of this criminal enterprise who exploit the most vulnerable of our society for illicit gains. The traffickers now engage in more heinous dimensions to human trafficking in Nigeria, such as fake job opportunities and scholarships in some destination countries and online loan schemes. Meanwhile, these traffickers now also invest in harvesting human organs, which have become very lucrative. With so many people in need of kidney, liver, and heart transplants, records reveal that these organs are in high demand, especially in developed countries. Out of desperation, many Nigerians also now sell their vital organs and, in the process, endanger their lives. It is sad that some of our medical personnel are now involved in the process.
The stakeholders and members of the public are urged to assist the government by providing useful information to stem the menace. We look forward to a day where our society will be free from all forms of heinous crimes.
Signed,
Senior Ibrahim Sulyman Esq
Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice
