Abuja, Nigeria – 11 December 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) have reinforced their long-standing collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) during a high-level diplomatic visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The engagement marks a renewed phase of operational synergy in Nigeria’s national anti-trafficking efforts.

The IHRC delegation was led by H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Hezekiah Duru, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. The visit aligned with IHRC Corporation’s ongoing reforms and restructuring, following the relocation of its global headquarters from Switzerland to the United States — a strategic shift aimed at expanding the Commission’s humanitarian reach and strengthening global coordination mechanisms.

During the meeting, IHRC reaffirmed the validity of the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commission and NAPTIP. Ambassador Duru noted that the renewed engagement reflects both institutions’ commitment to enhancing technical cooperation, strengthening rescue capabilities, and accelerating the response against trafficking and exploitation.

A key highlight of the discussion was IHRC’s recent joint rescue operation in Taraba State, conducted in collaboration with NAPTIP operatives, which resulted in the recovery of 17 victims of human trafficking. Ambassador Duru emphasized that such interventions demonstrate the practical value of inter-agency collaboration and the need to reinvigorate long-standing partnerships across Nigeria’s anti-trafficking landscape.

The delegation also raised concerns regarding groups falsely claiming affiliation with IHRC. Ambassador Duru outlined the Commission’s operational structure in Nigeria, comprising over 1,500 volunteers, coordinated through State and Regional Coordinators, a National Volunteers Coordinator, and the Head of Mission. This structure, he noted, ensures accountability, rapid response and nationwide operational capacity.

In response, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta L. Adamu Bello, commended IHRC’s continued support to national anti-trafficking efforts. She acknowledged the operational relevance of the existing MoU and confirmed that the agency’s technical department would conduct a full review to update and strengthen the document accordingly.

NAPTIP officials further requested verification documents to address impersonation concerns. Ambassador Duru confirmed that IHRC would provide the required materials promptly, adding that IHRC remains an independent global humanitarian organisation, supported by partners and individual donors, and is not funded by any government.

The meeting also underscored the historical continuity of IHRC’s engagement in Nigeria, recalling the earlier official visit of Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, Secretary-General of the IHRC Corporation. The longstanding cooperation, the delegation noted, reflects IHRC’s sustained commitment to supporting Nigerian institutions in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.

The visit concluded with a symbolic gift presentation to NAPTIP’s Director-General, followed by an official photograph session — marking a renewed chapter of collaboration in Nigeria’s fight against trafficking and exploitation.

Reporter:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria

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Abuja, Nigeria – September 2025

IHRC Rescue Mission Unmasks Shocking Human Trafficking Plot

A teenage girl trafficked from Benue State to Imo State under the guise of employment was dramatically rescued following the swift intervention of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) Nigeria.

According to initial reports, the victim was deceived with promises of legitimate restaurant work but was forced into prostitution upon arrival in Imo State.

Operation by Special Monitoring Mission

The rescue was executed by the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), led by Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, and sanctioned by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission. The mission followed a tip-off from a vigilant citizen.

When the IHRC team stormed the hotspot, the traffickers fled the premises, highlighting the clandestine nature of the operation. The girl was safely removed and reunited with her family in Benue State.

IHRC Leaders Speak Out

“This is not an isolated case. Human trafficking thrives in the shadows, and we must act swiftly and decisively. Protecting women and children remains our top priority,”
– Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator.

“We cannot allow traffickers to feel untouchable. Combating this crime is a shared duty. Citizens must stay vigilant and report suspicious activities,”
– Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission.

Next Steps: Nationwide Mobilisation

IHRC has engaged law enforcement to track and dismantle the trafficking network. In addition, IHRC Nigeria will convene a Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting in Abuja, bringing together the Police, NAPTIP, Civil Defence, National Orientation Agency and other key actors to strengthen partnerships, enhance intelligence sharing, and implement preventive measures.

A Global Alarm

Human trafficking remains one of Nigeria’s gravest challenges, with countless young girls exposed to deception, forced labour, and sexual exploitation. Rights groups emphasise the urgent need for stronger law enforcement, awareness campaigns, and victim rehabilitation.

This intervention gave one girl a chance to rebuild her life – but it also sends a clear message: IHRC will not relent until every trafficking chain is broken.

Author / Reporter:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post 🚨 IHRC Bursts Human Trafficking Ring in Nigeria – Teenage Girl Rescued from Prostitution Trap first appeared on ihrc.news.

As part of a commitment to commemorate it, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has called for urgent and comprehensive action by national and state actors against human trafficking.

IHRC’s Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, in his statement through the Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma, said human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes of our time.

According to him, human trafficking undermines the security of states because it is related to organized crime and corruption, and because some traffickers deal not only in people but also in drugs, weapons, and other goods.

But most obviously, trafficking violates the human rights of trafficked persons who are exploited, raped, and sometimes killed.

Dr. Duru noted that the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in Nigeria has an MOU with the National Prohibition for the Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), working together in the fight against human trafficking across the Nigerian States.

He said the fight against human trafficking has three components: the prosecution of traffickers, the protection of trafficked persons, and the prevention of trafficking.

He further urged governments not to leave any child behind in the fight against human trafficking but rather explore comprehensive action by establishing a task force on human trafficking in respective states to help in identifying victims, investigating networks, disrupting operations, and prosecuting traffickers.

“The force should comprise of major state actors such as the Attorney General/Commissioner of Justice, NAPTIP, Commissioners of Women Affairs and Information, the NDLEA, Officers of the Nigeria Police and Migration, amongst others”, he maintained.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: IHRC Sues for Comprehensive Action first appeared on ihrc.news.