NAPTIP Resolves 187 Violence and Rape Complaints in 2022 Amid Growing Challenges

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) resolved 187 cases of violence and human rights abuses in 2022, out of 1,324 complaints it received. The agency’s latest report reveals that 717 of these complaints fell under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015.

The report highlights the most common issues addressed, with spousal battery being the highest-reported offence, accounting for 269 cases. It was followed by 100 reported cases of rape. “In 2022, we successfully resolved 187 cases through mediation,” NAPTIP said in its statement.

In addition to mediation, NAPTIP investigated a broad range of other serious offences, including emotional and psychological abuse. The agency handled 63 cases related to such abuse. On the legal front, NAPTIP secured 24 convictions in 2022, mostly for crimes involving rape and physical injury.

“Of the 31 individuals we prosecuted, 25 cases were filed in court, with 42 offences being tried. The majority of these cases related to rape and physical injury,” the report stated.

Aside from legal actions, NAPTIP made significant strides in rehabilitating and reintegrating survivors of violence. The agency, in collaboration with other organizations, provided shelter, counseling, and support to 760 victims of violence under the VAPP Act in 2022. This group included 147 males and 613 females. However, systemic challenges still hinder timely justice and support for many survivors.

One of the primary issues NAPTIP identified is the lack of awareness and understanding of the VAPP Act among key stakeholders, including law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and judicial personnel. This knowledge gap has often led to weak enforcement of the Act. The agency also pointed out that some complaints were withdrawn or could not be followed through because survivors lacked the necessary resources or support.

“Many victims are financially dependent on their abusers, and the difficult economic situation in the country makes it hard for them to continue their complaints,” NAPTIP stated.

The agency also faced budgetary constraints, particularly in carrying out its activities related to the VAPP Act in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NAPTIP reported an urgent need for more shelters and financial support for survivors. In 2022, some victims were forced to withdraw their complaints due to the lack of housing and economic aid.

Cultural and societal norms, especially in rural areas, also played a role in discouraging victims from pursuing justice. Many victims face pressure from their communities to drop their cases, further complicating efforts to address gender-based violence.

Additionally, NAPTIP’s report noted a lack of infrastructure to support victims. With only one Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) serving the entire FCT, many victims had limited access to specialized care. “The shortage of shelters and SARCs made it difficult to provide proper support to victims, and delays in law enforcement feedback often left victims frustrated,” the report added.

To address these challenges, NAPTIP recommended increased training for all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the VAPP Act. The agency also proposed creating a Special Gender-Based Violence Victim Trust Fund to offer financial support to survivors. It called for larger budgetary allocations to allow NAPTIP and other agencies to fulfill their mandates effectively.

Other suggestions included building more shelters and economic support programs to reduce the rate of withdrawn complaints and establishing more SARCs across the FCT to better serve survivors.

Commenting on the report, NAPTIP’s spokesperson, Mr. Zacks Dauda, shared optimism for the future. He explained that the agency’s recent return to the Ministry of Justice on October 20, 2023, after previously being under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, would enhance its efficiency in securing justice.

“We aim for more efficient delivery of justice against perpetrators of trafficking in persons, given that we now interface with the justice ministry more easily. If we have any issues, they can promptly attend to us,” Dauda stated in an earlier interview.

While NAPTIP continues its fight against violence and human rights abuses, it is clear that additional resources and societal change are needed to address the ongoing challenges in fully implementing the VAPP Act and protecting vulnerable individuals across Nigeria.