Abuja: The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced significant strides in its fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by securing over 20 convictions and rescuing more than 3,000 victims in the year 2026.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, Head of Press and Public Relations Unit at NAPTIP, revealed in an interview that out of the convictions, three resulted in life imprisonment, with the majority of cases involving rape. From January 2026 to the present, the agency has been proactive in rescuing individuals from critical situations, arresting numerous offenders, and prosecuting many of them.
In its efforts to tackle SGBV, NAPTIP has reinforced its collaboration with the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant ministries, departments, and agencies. The agency is also actively engaging communities and training frontline responders to enhance prevention, reporting, and response to SGBV incidents.
Adekoye emphasized the legal repercussions for perpetrators, highlighting applicable laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act. He also referenced international instruments like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Maputo Protocol, which are instrumental in safeguarding victims’ rights.
To bolster media involvement in the fight against SGBV, NAPTIP has recently launched an SGBV media corps. Adekoye encouraged journalists to not only report individual cases but also to delve into the underlying factors driving various forms of SGBV. He urged for victim-centred reporting that prioritizes the dignity, privacy, and safety of survivors.
The News Agency of Nigeria also covered the recent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Media Corps Workshop, organized by NAPTIP, and supported by the European Union’s Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme, implemented by International IDEA.