Customs, NAPTIP Strengthen Ties to Tackle Human Trafficking

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to combat human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.

Adeniyi made this pledge, when the NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

A statement on Wednesday by Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada said the Customs boss, while appreciating NAPTIP’s work, described the visit as timely and necessary in addressing emerging national security threats, emphasizing that Customs views crime beyond smuggling, as part of a broader security ecosystem

“We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,” Adeniyi said.

He revealed that the Service is intensifying its enforcement of international conventions on flora and fauna, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and anti-trafficking efforts.

Adeniyi further assured NAPTIP of unconditional partnership in the upcoming National Dialogue on Human Trafficking and Stowaway Incidents, scheduled for February 2026, pledging Customs’ technical support, intelligence sharing, and inclusion of anti-trafficking modules in its training curriculum.

“We will work closely with your designated officials for the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security,” he added.

In her remarks, NAPTIP D.G Binta Adamu expressed satisfaction with the renewed partnership, describing Customs as a key ally in the fight against cross-border crimes.

“NAPTIP is a law enforcement agency mandated to prevent, prosecute, and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential to achieving our goals,” she said.

She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, calling for strong inter-agency coordination across Nigeria’s entry and exit points.