NAPTIP, Immigration Service Deepen Collaboration Against Human Trafficking in Bayelsa
By Ebis Freeman, YENAGOA – In a renewed effort to strengthen the fight against human trafficking and related crimes, the Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sought closer collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Bayelsa State Command.
The move was made during a courtesy visit by the NAPTIP Bayelsa State Command to the Comptroller of Immigration, Bayelsa State Command, on June 23, 2026.
Leading the delegation was the State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs. Ngozi Opara, who emphasized the importance of sustained partnership between both agencies in combating human trafficking, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, victim rescue, and prosecution of offenders.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Opara expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Immigration Service for its unwavering support since the establishment of NAPTIP. She particularly commended the Service for its role in information sharing and the interception of trafficking victims at border points and airports.
According to her, the complexity of human trafficking requires collective action among relevant stakeholders, stressing that NAPTIP cannot successfully tackle the menace alone.
“There is a need to sustain and strengthen the existing relationship between our agencies. Human trafficking is a transnational crime that demands coordinated efforts, and NAPTIP values the support and cooperation of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” she stated.
Responding, the Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs. Chinenye Emelumadu, thanked the NAPTIP Commander and her team for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service to the fight against human trafficking.
She assured the delegation that the longstanding partnership between both agencies would continue to flourish under her leadership, adding that all suspected human trafficking cases identified by the Service would be promptly referred to NAPTIP for investigation and possible prosecution.
Mrs. Emelumadu noted that NAPTIP remains the statutory agency empowered to prosecute trafficking-related offences and pledged the continued support of the Immigration Service in efforts aimed at eradicating the crime.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service will continue to work closely with NAPTIP. Any suspected case of human trafficking intercepted by our officers will be handed over to the Agency for necessary action. Together, we can protect vulnerable persons and curb the activities of traffickers,” she said.
The visit featured the exchange of goodwill gestures between both agencies. The Comptroller presented a commemorative plaque to the NAPTIP State Commander, while Mrs. Opara presented Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials of the Agency to the Immigration Service.
As part of NAPTIP’s advocacy campaign, red cards were also symbolically issued to human traffickers, reinforcing the Agency’s zero-tolerance stance against trafficking in persons.
The visit underscores the commitment of both agencies to strengthening inter-agency cooperation and enhancing efforts to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
