The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued 80 victims of human trafficking and arrested 35 suspects in the last three years.
The Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at an event organised to mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The programme was organised by the NSCDC FCT Command’s Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration Unit in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Odumosu also disclosed that 32 of the rescued victims had been handed over to NAPTIP for appropriate support and rehabilitation.
The event, held at the NSCDC FCT Command headquarters, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, had as its theme, “Human Trafficking and Technology: Trends, Challenges and Security Approach.”
The Commandant urged security agencies to strengthen the capacity of investigators and intelligence officers to effectively deploy lawful digital intelligence, data analysis, online monitoring and other technological tools in tracking trafficking activities.
He said the increasing use of technology by traffickers had created a new dimension to the fight against human trafficking, requiring security agencies to adopt more sophisticated and intelligence-driven approaches.
According to Odumosu, traffickers are increasingly exploiting social media platforms, instant messaging applications, gaming environments and other online spaces to identify, recruit, deceive and control potential victims.
He described human trafficking as more than a social problem, saying it constitutes a major security, economic, human rights and development challenge.
The Commandant noted that traffickers often target vulnerable people by exploiting poverty, unemployment, ignorance, displacement, family conflicts and the desire of young people to secure education, employment and better opportunities.
He identified rapid technological advancement, digital anonymity, the cross-border nature of cyber-enabled trafficking, challenges associated with digital evidence and victim identification, as well as inadequate public awareness, among the major obstacles facing security agencies.
Odumosu consequently called for a shift from conventional methods towards intelligence-led, technology-driven and victim-centred strategies in combating trafficking.
He further advocated closer collaboration among the NSCDC, NAPTIP, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Federal Road Safety Corps, intelligence agencies and other stakeholders.
He charged NSCDC personnel to maintain vigilance around transportation corridors, public spaces, critical infrastructure and other locations considered vulnerable to trafficking activities.
The Commandant also urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities, while calling on schools to promote digital safety education and religious and traditional institutions to intensify awareness campaigns.
He equally stressed the need for government to strengthen employment and empowerment opportunities as a way of reducing the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit.
The ceremony attracted representatives of civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Students of ECWA Hills Academy, Abuja, also made presentations, while the organisers presented an award to Odumosu.