Assessing Nigeria's Institutional Response to Human Trafficking: A Performance Review of NAPTIP (2020–2024)

Human trafficking, enslavement, and sexual violence remain major human rights and security challenges in Nigeria despite the existence of legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at combating them. This study examines Nigeria's institutional response to human trafficking through the activities of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) between 2020 and 2024, while situating the discussion within the broader realities of conflict-induced displacement, sexual exploitation, and modern enslavement. Particular attention is given to North-East Nigeria, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, where the expansion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps has increased the vulnerability of women and children to trafficking, forced labour, sexual slavery, forced marriage, and other forms of exploitation. The study adopts Routine Activity Theory and Institutional Theory to explain how poverty, armed conflict, weak institutional structures, displacement, and inadequate guardianship create conditions that sustain trafficking and sexual violence. Using a qualitative research design and secondary data from NAPTIP reports, UNODC publications, policy documents, journal articles, and humanitarian reports, the study evaluates trends in investigations, victim identification, prosecutions, and convictions. Findings reveal that although NAPTIP recorded measurable progress in investigations and victim identification, challenges such as underfunding, weak inter-agency coordination, poor judicial processes, and inadequate grassroots engagement continue to undermine effective enforcement. The study concludes that sustainable progress requires a more integrated and context-sensitive approach that addresses the intersection of armed conflict, displacement, gender inequality, and socio-economic vulnerability in Nigeria.