The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued eight children believed to have been abducted from Kano and neighboring northern states and trafficked to the South–South and Southeast regions of the country. The rescue took place at a private orphanage in Asaba, Delta State, reportedly owned by an executive of the Association of Orphanage Operators in Nigeria.
The successful operation, which followed months of intelligence gathering, was carried out in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Anambra, the Nigeria Police Command in Delta, the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, civil society groups, and parents of the abducted children.
Investigations into the activities of the syndicate date back to 2017 when parents in Kano began raising alarms over the disappearance of children between the ages of two and ten. Findings revealed that traffickers often infiltrated communities by posing as traders or temporary residents, gaining the trust of children before abducting them. Others allegedly targeted unaccompanied minors at motor parks and bus terminals.
The scale of the problem grew in 2022 when more than 25 children were reportedly trafficked, sparking outrage from stakeholders. A non-governmental organization, Protection Against the Abduction and Missing of Our Children (PATAMOOC), petitioned NAPTIP in December of that year, calling for urgent action to rescue victims and deliver justice for devastated families.
Following this outcry, NAPTIP intensified its discreet investigations, which eventually led to simultaneous operations in Anambra and Delta States. While the raid in Awka was unsuccessful after the children were moved overnight, operatives in Asaba discovered more than 70 children, including about 15 newborns, inside the orphanage. Eight were positively identified as stolen from Kano and were immediately rescued.
Speaking on the breakthrough, NAPTIP Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, expressed deep concern about the disturbing trend of orphanages being used as cover for child trafficking. “It is alarming to see over 70 children in one home, with the number increasing daily. The critical question is: where are these children coming from?” she queried.
Bello confirmed that the rescued children have been handed over to the Kano State Government and reunited with their families. She further disclosed that the orphanage owner has been declared wanted for questioning but has instead resorted to spreading misinformation online. “We have made it clear that he must present himself to our Kano Zonal Command. His attempt to use social media to mislead the public will not deter us,” she stated.
The NAPTIP boss called on state Ministries of Women Affairs nationwide to increase oversight of orphanages and care homes, warning that many have become breeding grounds for exploitation. “We will continue to monitor and regulate these facilities under the Trafficking in Persons (Control of Activities of Organisations and Centres) Regulations 2019,” she assured.
She commended the DSS, Police, Kano State Government, and civil society groups for their collaboration, reiterating that the agency remains committed to protecting vulnerable children and prosecuting traffickers. “This rescue demonstrates our unwavering resolve to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s children and ensure justice for victims,” Bello affirmed.