The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued five underage children who were allegedly being taken to the Benin Republic by suspected traffickers under the guise of securing better educational opportunities for them.
The children were reportedly rescued in Edo State from a suspected trafficker identified as Pastor Ayuba, who was allegedly transporting them towards the Benin Republic.
Children Rescued During Trafficking Operation
The NAPTIP Commander in Kebbi State, Misbahu Iya Kaura, disclosed the development while handing the children over to the Kebbi State Government at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, the suspect claimed that the children’s parents had given him permission to take them abroad for schooling.
However, the NAPTIP commander warned that such promises could be used by traffickers to gain the trust of unsuspecting parents before exposing children to exploitation.
“This is how they convince people to carry their children under the pretext of enrolling them in schools abroad, but end up abusing them or putting them into slavery,” Iya Kaura said.
He confirmed that the principal suspect had been arrested and would face prosecution after investigations are concluded.
Kebbi Government Warns Parents
Receiving the children on behalf of the state government, Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris warned parents to be extremely cautious when approached by individuals offering to take their children outside the country for educational purposes.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafidan Kabi, urged parents to properly verify the identity and intentions of anyone seeking to take their children abroad.
He also warned that parents who knowingly assist trafficking activities would face the full weight of the law.
The Deputy Governor subsequently reunited the rescued children with their parents.
One of the parents, Emmanuel Aduba, expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government and NAPTIP for helping to secure the children’s safe return.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
