NAPTIP Secures Over 20 SGBV Convictions and Rescues Victims in NG

• NAPTIP has secured over 20 convictions for SGBV offences since January 2026.
• The agency has rescued over 3,000 victims of SGBV in the same period.
• NAPTIP's collaborative approach with law enforcement agencies and communities is key to its success.
• The agency is urging journalists to adopt victim-centred reporting practices that prioritize survivors' dignity, privacy, and safety.
• NAPTIP is working within a robust legal framework that includes the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act.

The agency has secured over 20 convictions for SGBV offences since January 2026.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming rise in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), a key player in combating this scourge, has been working tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice. According to NAPTIP's Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Mr Vincent Adekoye, the agency has secured over 20 convictions for SGBV offences since January 2026. This significant milestone is a testament to the agency's commitment to eradicating this heinous crime. The convictions include three life imprisonment sentences, with most cases involving rape.

NAPTIP's success in securing SGBV convictions is largely attributed to its collaborative approach with other law enforcement agencies and relevant ministries. The agency has strengthened its response to SGBV by expanding its partnerships with the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other stakeholders. This strategic collaboration enables NAPTIP to effectively investigate and prosecute cases, ultimately bringing perpetrators to justice. Furthermore, NAPTIP is engaging communities through training frontline responders to strengthen prevention, reporting, and response to SGBV. By doing so, the agency aims to create a culture of zero tolerance for SGBV.

The protection of victims' rights is a critical aspect of NAPTIP's mandate. The agency recognizes that victims of SGBV often face stigma, shame, and trauma. To address this, NAPTIP is urging journalists to adopt victim-centred reporting practices that prioritize survivors' dignity, privacy, and safety. This approach not only protects the victims but also helps them regain trust in society. By working together, law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and communities can create a supportive environment for survivors of SGBV.

In its efforts to secure stronger media support, NAPTIP recently inaugurated an SGBV media corps. This initiative aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to investigate and report on SGBV cases effectively. By doing so, NAPTIP hopes to create a culture of accountability among perpetrators and raise awareness about the root causes of SGBV. The agency is urging journalists to go beyond reporting individual cases and examine the factors driving different forms of SGBV.

NAPTIP is working within a robust legal framework that includes the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act. These laws provide a clear roadmap for prosecuting SGBV cases and protecting victims' rights. Additionally, NAPTIP is cognizant of international instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Maputo Protocol, which underscore the importance of protecting women's rights and preventing SGBV.

Lawyers should be aware of the increased enforcement efforts by NAPTIP and the relevant laws that can be cited in cases involving Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act.

Source: Original reporting via National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons