NAPTIP RESCUES FIVE KEBBI CHILDREN FROM SUSPECTED TRAFFICKERS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued five children from suspected traffickers who allegedly attempted to take them to the Benin Republic under the guise of securing better education for them.
The NAPTIP Commander in Kebbi State, Misbahu Iya Kaura, said the children were rescued in Edo State while a suspected trafficker, identified as Pastor Ayuba, was allegedly transporting them across the border.
According to Kaura, the suspect claimed he had the consent of the children’s parents to take them abroad for schooling. However, he said such promises are often used by traffickers to gain the trust of parents before exploiting children.
The suspect has been arrested and is expected to face prosecution after investigations are completed.
Receiving the children in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris, represented by his deputy, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafidan, warned parents to properly verify anyone offering to take their children abroad for education.
The rescued children were subsequently reunited with their parents, who expressed appreciation to NAPTIP and the Kebbi State Government for their intervention.