The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has cautioned parents and guardians across the country against leaving their children in the care of casual acquaintances, unverified neighbours, or unfamiliar service providers, warning that such negligence increases the risk of child trafficking and abduction.
The warning followed the successful reunification of a five-year-old victim, Rahama Ibrahim, with her family in Damaturu, Yobe State, as announced in a statement by the agency’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye.
According to NAPTIP, Rahama was abducted a few months ago in Damaturu by a driver suspected to be involved in child theft. She was later rescued in Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The suspect and an accomplice have since been arrested and charged to court in the Federal Capital Territory.
The formal handover of the child to her parents took place at the Government House in Damaturu, in the presence of the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, alongside officers from the DSS and NAPTIP.
Representing the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, at the event was Mr. Saleh Zakar, Commander of the agency’s Yobe State Command. He reiterated the agency’s dedication to the protection of children and vulnerable persons, and extended appreciation to the DSS for its continued support in joint operations.
The Director General, in her message, urged parents to take greater responsibility for the safety of their children. She emphasised that entrusting children to individuals with little or no background can lead to devastating consequences, including trafficking.
“I want to appeal to parents across the country to be vigilant and keep an eye on their children. It is very dangerous to leave your children in the care of strangers who casually come your way,” she said. “Parents should also desist from sending children on errands unaccompanied or along lonely roads, especially during odd hours.”
Speaking at the reunion, the child’s father, Mallam Ibrahim, expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Government and NAPTIP for their efforts in rescuing and caring for his daughter. “When I saw my daughter, she was neat and well taken care of. I thank the DG of NAPTIP and all the officers involved. They have done a great job,” he said.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana commended the leadership of NAPTIP for its proactive response and the successful reintegration of the child. He pledged the Yobe State Government’s continued support to the agency in the fight against human trafficking.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with other law enforcement and security institutions in combating trafficking and protecting Nigerian children from harm.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo