The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued eight children suspected to have been stolen from northern Nigeria and trafficked to the south. The children were found during a raid on a popular orphanage in Asaba, Delta State, conducted with support from the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police, and local civil society groups.
According to NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye, syndicates posing as traders lured children aged between two and ten from their communities in Kano and neighboring states. The abducted children were transported south, often disappearing overnight, before being placed in orphanages or care homes.
During the Asaba raid, operatives discovered over 70 children, including 15 newborns. Only eight of these were confirmed as trafficked from Kano and have been reunited with their families. NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello said the children were identified through photographs and distinguishing features provided by parents’ representatives.
Bello expressed concern over the growing number of children in unregulated orphanages. “We are seriously worried about the unwholesome activities of some care homes. Where are all these children coming from?” she said. She also condemned attempts by the orphanage operator to evade investigation through social media misinformation instead of cooperating with authorities.
The agency commended the DSS, police, and other partners for their support, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-led operations in combating child trafficking. The operation highlights NAPTIP’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable children, ensuring justice, and enforcing the law.
