NAPTIP Records 20 Convictions for SGBV, Saves Over 3,000 Victims

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV. According to the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit at NAPTIP, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, the agency has secured over 20 convictions for SGBV offences and rescued more than 3,000 victims in the year 2026. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Adekoye disclosed that three of the convictions resulted in life imprisonment, with most of the cases involving rape. Between January 2026 and the present, NAPTIP has intervened in critical situations to rescue over 3,000 individuals. The agency has also made several arrests and is currently prosecuting many offenders. NAPTIP has expanded its response to SGBV by strengthening its collaboration with the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and relevant ministries, departments, and agencies. Furthermore, the agency is engaging with communities and training frontline responders to enhance prevention, reporting, and response to SGBV. Adekoye urged perpetrators to desist from committing these crimes, emphasizing that offenders can be prosecuted under various laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act. He also referenced international instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Maputo Protocol, which are crucial for protecting the rights of victims. Recently, NAPTIP inaugurated an SGBV media corps to garner stronger media support in the fight against SGBV. Adekoye encouraged journalists to delve beyond reporting individual cases and instead investigate the underlying factors driving different forms of SGBV. He emphasized the importance of adopting victim-centered reporting that protects the dignity, privacy, and safety of survivors. 'We must protect the victims, ensure their dignity and privacy are protected, and help them regain trust in society,' he stated. The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Media Corps Workshop was organized by NAPTIP and supported by the European Union Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Programme, implemented by International IDEA.