The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dismantled a suspected child trafficking syndicate and rescued eight children believed to have been stolen from different parts of the country.
The agency announced on Tuesday that the breakthrough followed weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated raids in Abuja and parts of Anambra and Enugu States. According to NAPTIP’s Director of Intelligence and Operations, the syndicate specialized in abducting children from vulnerable families and selling them to buyers within and outside Nigeria.
“Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives launched simultaneous operations that led to the arrest of key members of this trafficking ring. Eight children between the ages of two and 13 were rescued and are now in protective custody”.
He added that investigations revealed the traffickers used a network of recruiters, transporters, and intermediaries to facilitate the illegal trade. “Some of the victims had been missing for several months. Our priority now is to reunite them with their families after proper verification and counseling”.
Two women, suspected to be ring leaders, and three men allegedly responsible for transporting the children were arrested during the operation. The agency disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.
Parents of missing children who thronged NAPTIP offices expressed relief at the recovery. “I had lost hope of ever seeing my daughter again. This is a miracle,” said Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo, whose 7-year-old was among those rescued.
NAPTIP’s Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, warned that the agency would intensify its clampdown on trafficking networks. She urged communities to be more vigilant, stressing that child trafficking remains a serious national threat.
“We are sending a strong message: traffickers will not escape justice. Our children are not for sale”.
The rescued children are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support, while efforts are underway to trace their biological families.
