The European Union, France and Italy have bolstered Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling by gifting a state‑of‑the‑art digital interview facility and operational equipment to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The handover took place on Tuesday in Abuja under the Common Operational Partnership France‑Italy‑Nigeria (COP Nigeria).
The new centre features a central observation room and two interview rooms fitted with one‑way mirrors, allowing investigators to conduct simultaneous interviews while other officers observe without disrupting proceedings. Modern audio and video recording equipment is installed to document and preserve statements for court use.
In addition to the interview rooms, NAPTIP received a range of field‑operations gear, communication tools and investigative equipment to enhance intelligence gathering and technical mobility during complex anti‑trafficking missions.
Director‑General Binta Adamu Bello said the facility marks a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s determination to dismantle transnational trafficking networks. She highlighted that the observation set‑up protects victims’ privacy and dignity, while the recording technology will help meet international forensic and legal standards. Bello also noted that NAPTIP secured 78 convictions between January and November 2026 and expects the new resources to further strengthen its prosecution capacity.
European Commissioner for Migration and Internal Affairs Magnus Brunner praised the intervention as a tangible result of the EU‑Nigeria partnership, stressing that collective action is essential to combat organised criminal networks. He welcomed Nigeria’s participation in the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and commended the ambassadors and partners for their contributions.
Italian Ambassador to Nigeria Roberto Mengoni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to cooperation with NAPTIP, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force, describing the “Team Europe” approach as a framework for greater impact. French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier pledged long‑term support, noting that the intervention goes beyond physical structures to protect humanity and human dignity.
The ceremony was attended by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria Gautier Mignot, representatives of CIVIPOL, FIAP and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The donation is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to investigate trafficking cases, improve prosecution outcomes and dismantle criminal networks operating within and beyond the country’s borders.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
