NAPTIP Operation In Benue Leads To Rescue Of 5 Children And Arrest Of 80-Year-Old Suspect

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate in Makurdi, rescuing five children and apprehending an 80-year-old woman along with seven others. The Makurdi Zonal Command’s Zonal Commander, Mrs. Gloria Bai, revealed in a statement that the operation was initiated based on a tip-off and a distress call from a mother whose children had been abducted and sold to traffickers in December………CONTINUE READING

Operatives of the agency carried out meticulous surveillance and rescue operations across the Makurdi metropolis from January 17 to 22, 2024, leading to the breakthrough. The investigation exposed the syndicate’s modus operandi, targeting vulnerable homes, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, by posing as helpers offering education sponsorship. Exploiting the trust of unsuspecting families, they acquired children and subsequently sold them for amounts ranging from N350,000 to ₦900,000 per child, masking the transactions as adoptions.

Key players in the criminal network, including an 80-year-old woman named Innocent Josephine and a 56-year-old woman identified as Ude Rosaline, were among the arrested suspects. Others included Mr. Samuel Takura (50), Mr. Williams Minde (35), Mrs. Celina Obiasogu (52), Mrs. Virginia Okonkwo (50), Mrs. Anthonia Onura (60), and Mrs. Ede Sunday Ngozi (52). Efforts are underway to apprehend Mama Nnamdi, who remains at large.

Mrs. Bai confirmed that all rescued victims had been reunited with their families, and legal proceedings against the suspects were in progress. The public was cautioned against individuals offering assistance with child education due to the prevalence of child buying and selling under the guise of adoption. Those interested in adoption were advised to contact the State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper guidance to avoid falling prey to criminal elements.

NAPTIP urged the public to report suspicious cases through the shortcode 627, hotline 07030000203, or via email at info@naptip.gov.ng.

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Source: Bushradiogist