The Makurdi Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, leading to the rescue of five victims and the apprehension of eight suspects.
The operation, initiated in response to a distress call from a concerned mother searching for her twins allegedly sold in December 2023, was disclosed by Bai Gloria Iveren, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Makurdi. Iveren revealed that NAPTIP operatives, following meticulous surveillance and rescue operations in Makurdi metropolis, uncovered the syndicate’s modus operandi. The criminals targeted vulnerable homes, including IDP camps, by posing as helpers offering education sponsorship.
According to Iveren, the suspects took advantage of unsuspecting families, acquiring children and subsequently selling them for amounts ranging between N900,000 and N350,000 per child. The transactions were cunningly disguised as adoptions to avoid detection.
The arrested suspects include an 80-year-old woman, Innocent Josephine, and a 56-year-old woman, Ude Rosaline, identified as key players in the criminal network. Other members in custody are Mr. Samuel Takura (50), Mr. Williams Minde (35), Mrs. Celina Obiasogu (52), Mrs. Virginia Okonkwo (50), Mrs. Anthonia Onura (60), and Mrs. Ede Sunday Ngozi (52). Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Mama Nnamdi, who remains at large.
All rescued victims have been successfully reunited with their families, and legal proceedings against the suspects are currently underway. Iveren cautioned the public to exercise caution when approached by individuals offering assistance with child education, highlighting the prevalent issue of child trafficking under the guise of adoption. She urged those interested in adoption to contact the state Ministry of Women Affairs for proper guidance and to avoid transactions with potential criminal elements.
