Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 17, 2025
NAPTIP Busts Child Trafficking Ring, Rescues 8 Stolen Children
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dismantled an interstate child‑trafficking syndicate and rescued eight children suspected to have been stolen from Kano and other northern states.[1]
Key Details
• The rescued children, aged between 2 and 10 years, were found in a privately‑owned orphanage located in Asaba, Delta State.[1]
• Over 70 other children, including 15 newborns, were discovered at the same facility, though they have not yet all been identified as stolen.[1]
• The operation was carried out with the help of several agencies: the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police (Delta State Command), the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, civil society organizations, and other concerned parents.[1]
What Led to the Rescue
• Persistent complaints from parents in Kano and neighbouring states dating back to 2017 about missing children triggered investigations.[1]
• - Intelligence‑driven operations focused on both Asaba (Delta State) and Awka (Anambra State). The Asaba raid succeeded; in Awka, the children were moved overnight before operatives could rescue them.[2]
Aftermath & Reunification
• The eight identified children have been reunited with their families in Kano State.[1]
• NAPTIP has expressed concern over the growing number of so‑called “orphanages” being used as fronts for trafficking and has called for tighter regulation of homes caring for children.[1]
Implications & What to Watch
• This incident highlights how vulnerable children, especially in northern Nigeria, remain targeted by traffickers operating across state lines.
• The case also raises questions about oversight of orphanages and care homes in Nigeria—some of which may be involved in illicit activities.
• There is likely to be increased public pressure on state ministries (especially Women Affairs and Child Welfare) to audit and regulate orphanage operations and ensure regular inspections.
Citations:
1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/naptip-busts-child-trafficking-ring-rescues-8-stolen-children/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Tribune Online: tribuneonlineng.com/naptip-rescues-eight-suspected-stolen-children-from-orphanage-in-delta/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
About The Author
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
