The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued eight children suspected to have been stolen from Kano and trafficked to Southern Nigeria.
The operation, carried out in Asaba, Delta State, with the support of the DSS, Police, and civil society groups, uncovered over 70 children in the privately owned orphanage, though only eight were identified as missing from Kano.
NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed concern over the activities of some orphanages in Nigeria.
“The operation was purely intelligence-driven and followed persistent cries from parents in Kano,” Bello said.
“We are seriously worried about these so-called orphanages that have turned into havens for stolen children. Imagine over 70 children in one orphanage—the big question is, where are they from?”
She confirmed that the rescued children have been reunited with their families and assured that the agency would not relent in its fight against child trafficking.
Bello also called on state Ministries of Women Affairs to “beam searchlights on the activities of orphanages and care homes” across the country.
NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to protect vulnerable children and ensure justice is served against trafficking syndicates.
