The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, has pledged intensified prosecution of rapists and other perpetrators of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP Act, which clocks 10 years today, May 25, 2025.
She was speaking at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja during an event marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark legislation.
Bello described the VAPP Act as “one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for the protection of human rights, especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.”
The VAPP Act, passed in 2015, is a landmark law aimed at eliminating violence in both public and private spheres. It prohibits all forms of violence against persons and provides protection, remedies for victims, and punishment for offenders. Though originally applicable within the Federal Capital Territory, it has since been domesticated by 32 states across the federation and is being implemented by NAPTIP.
As VAPP Act turns 10, NAPTIP secures 2 Life Sentences
Highlighting the Act’s impact, Bello revealed that NAPTIP has “successfully secured 25 convictions of perpetrators, including two life imprisonment sentences of high-profile individuals in Nigeria,” with over 1,557 cases currently in court and more than 5,000 survivors supported through shelters, legal aid, psychosocial services, and reintegration programmes.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a just, inclusive, and violence-free society.
“Over the past 10 years, we have raised the bar for justice and given voice to the voiceless, empowering survivors of violence to seek redress,” she said.
The Director General vowed that the next decade would see even stronger enforcement, greater awareness of rights under the VAPP Act, and deeper community engagement. “We promise double portion of trouble for perpetrators in the years ahead,” she said.
Bello also expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, MDAs, Development Partners, CSOs, the Media, and other stakeholders, acknowledging their support in ensuring the Act’s successful implementation.
“While extending our heartfelt gratitude to all who have walked this journey with us and survivors which continue to show courage, the law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, legal advocates, development partners, and the general public, we promise double portion of trouble for perpetrators in the years ahead,” Bello said.
