The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian parents against leaving their children in the care of casual acquaintances, untrusted neighbours, or unknown service providers, stressing that such acts expose minors to trafficking and abduction.
NAPTIP in a statement issued by its Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye disclosed that the caution came on Thursday during the emotional reunion of a five-year-old girl, Rahama Ibrahim, with her family in Damaturu, Yobe State, months after she was abducted by a suspected child trafficker.
Represented by the Yobe State Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Saleh Zakar, the DG said the incident should serve as a wake-up call to parents and guardians across the country.
“This case underscores the dangers children face when left in the hands of strangers or loosely known individuals. We urge parents to be more vigilant and avoid exposing their children to unnecessary risks,” Bello said.
Rahama was reportedly taken from her home in Damaturu by a driver suspected of being involved in child theft. She was later rescued in Abuja through the collaborative efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) and NAPTIP.
The suspect and an accomplice have since been arraigned in an Abuja court.
The reunification ceremony, held at the Government House in Damaturu, was attended by the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, officials of the DSS, and other dignitaries.
A visibly emotional Mallam Ibrahim, father of the rescued child, expressed profound gratitude to NAPTIP for its role in locating and caring for his daughter during her time away from home.
“When I saw my daughter again, I was overwhelmed. She looked neat and well cared for. I am very thankful to the DG of NAPTIP and the entire team for their support and dedication,” he said.
Deputy Governor Gubana also lauded NAPTIP’s swift intervention and praised its ongoing fight against human trafficking. He pledged continued support from the state government.
DG Bello, in her remarks, appreciated the DSS for its collaboration and reiterated the agency’s commitment to child protection.
She urged parents to avoid sending their children on errands at odd hours or alone on unfamiliar roads.
“We will not relent in our mission to protect Nigerian children from exploitation. Our partners’ support, especially security agencies like the DSS, remains critical in achieving our goals,” she added.
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