NAPTIP Operation in Calabar: 9 Children Rescued from Trafficking Ring
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued nine children who were trafficked from Kebbi State and sold into slavery in Calabar, Cross River State. The children were initially taken from the Zuru area of Kebbi State to Gusau in Zamfara State under the pretense of receiving education.
From there, they were transported to Calabar, where they were sold for amounts ranging from ₦280,000 and above. To avoid detection, the traffickers renamed the children.
NAPTIP apprehended the traffickers and buyers involved in this illicit operation, and legal proceedings are currently underway. The rescued children were reunited with their families in a ceremony at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, where NAPTIP’s Kebbi State Commander, Misbahu Kaura, handed them over to Governor Nasir Idris.
Governor Idris condemned the trafficking activities and emphasized the state’s commitment to eradicating such crimes. He warned that any individual found complicit in child trafficking, including parents who willingly surrender their children for monetary gain, would face prosecution.
The governor also announced a financial assistance of ₦100,000 for each rescued child and provided support for their parents and community leaders to facilitate their return home.
