The EU Ambassador said that the initiative was also a commitment to action to dismantle trafficking networks, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the dignity and rights of every individual.
Also speaking, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Marc Fonbaustier, stated that the project reflected a shared conviction that human dignity knows no border.
He said that contacting human trafficking was not just a necessity, but a moral duty for all nations, adding that the crime remained a silent, and devastating scourge
“This project is both concrete and ambitious. It is action oriented and forward looking. It aims to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, particularly NAPTIP, to improve information sharing.
“It also aims at encouraging joint investigations and ensure coordinated support for victims,” he said.
He lauded the Federal Government, NAPTIP and other security forces for their actions towards ridding the country of the crime of human trafficking.
The French Ambassador said that the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) would be funding the project, while CIVIPOL, the French Ministry of Interior’s operator for International technical cooperation would be implementing the project
He stressed that fighting human trafficking was also synonymous with fighting poverty.
Earlier, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, noted that Nigeria occupies a strategic position in the migration dynamics of West Africa.
Represented by Mr Josiah Emerole, Director, Research and Programme Development, the D-G stated that Nigeria as a country of origin, transit, and destination for human trafficking, was grappling with multifaceted and evolving challenges.
She listed some of the challenges to include human trafficking and migrant smuggling, to related transnational crimes, such as sexual exploitation, document forgery, and drug trafficking.
Adamu-Bello stated that over the years, NAPTIP had made remarkable progress in its five cardinal areas of intervention such as Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.
She said that the agency was fully aware that the changing nature of trafficking and smuggling necessitated continuous innovation, deeper collaboration, and strengthening of institutional capacities across all levels.
“The Common Operational Partnership (COP) initiative, implemented by the Government of France with the support of Italian Ministry of Interior, represents a strategic opportunity to consolidate our achievements and introduce evidence-based, context-specific approaches to tackling these crimes in Nigeria.
“Built around four key pillars — Joint Needs Assessment, Training and Mentoring, Operational Support, and Geographic Focus, the COP Project provides a comprehensive framework to enhance investigation, prosecution, and victim-centered interventions.
“Equally important, it will promote effective intelligence sharing, joint operations, and operational synergy among NAPTIP’s zonal commands and our regional partners in West Africa,” she said.
Adamu-Bello said that the project would commence with pilot implementation in 3 target states: Cross River, Osun, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory, all strategically positioned along high-risk trafficking and migration corridors.
She said that these routes had witnessed increasing volumes of irregular movement and emerging trafficking trends aimed at accessing developed countries.
According to her, addressing these challenges requires coordinated and sustained action, which the new initiative aims to support.
