Nigeria: NAPTIP apprehends trafficking syndicate in Benue, rescues five victims
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Makurdi Zonal Command, has successfully rescued five victims and apprehended eight suspects involved in a child trafficking syndicate.
Among the arrested suspects, 80-year-old Innocent Josephine and 56-year-old Ude Rosaline were identified as key players in the illicit network.
The other suspects include Samuel Terkura (50), Williams Minde (35), Mrs. Celina Obiasogu (52), Virginia Okonkwo (50), Anthonia Onura (60), and Ede Sunday Ngozi (52).
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Mama Nnamdi, who is currently at large, according to Zonal Commander, Mrs. Gloria Bai, who made the announcement via a press statement today – Saturday February 3rd, 2024.
Bai said the operation was initiated in response to a distress call from a mother seeking her missing twins.
Investigation revealed that the twins had allegedly been sold in December 2023, leading to thorough surveillance and rescue operations conducted by the NAPTIP in the Makurdi metropolis between January 17 and 22, 2024.
Mrs. Bai explained, “The syndicate targeted vulnerable homes, including IDP camps, posing as helpers for education sponsorship.
“Exploiting the trust of unsuspecting families, they acquired children and subsequently sold them for sums ranging from ₦350,000 to ₦900,000 per child, disguising the transactions as adoptions.”
The rescued victims have been reunited with their families, and legal proceedings against the suspects are underway.
Mrs. Bai cautioned the public to exercise caution when approached by individuals offering assistance with child education, emphasizing the prevalence of child buying and selling under the guise of adoption.
She urged those seeking to adopt to contact the state Ministry of Women’s Affairs for proper guidance and to avoid transactions with criminal elements.
