NAPTIP Rescues Six Trafficked Children and Arrests Seven Suspects in Niger State
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Niger State Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in combating human trafficking by rescuing six victims of child trafficking, which notably includes twin babies. This operation marks a crucial step in protecting vulnerable children within the state.
Details of the Rescue Operation
Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, the State Commander of NAPTIP, revealed these developments during a reunification ceremony at the agency's office in Minna on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He explained that the case involving the recovered twins originated when their mother reported that a female staff member from the Social Welfare Department in Bida took the infants just one day after their birth. The staff member falsely claimed that the government would assist in raising the babies.
Investigations conducted by NAPTIP uncovered that the twins were sold through a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre in Bida to individuals located in Lagos State and Anambra State. The agency successfully recovered the twins and reunited them with their biological mother on December 18, 2025. This emotional reunion took place in the presence of the Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris-Kuta, highlighting the collaborative efforts in this case.
Further Investigations and Additional Cases
Further investigations led to the discovery of another related case involving the same group of suspects. These individuals allegedly deceived a beggar in Bida by posing as government officials who offered to support the upbringing and education of her children. In this instance, four children were taken from the beggar.
Out of these four children, two were kept by the suspects to serve as domestic helpers, while the other two were sold through the same nurse and her associate to buyers in Abia and Anambra states. During the investigation, the two children who were kept as domestic helpers were returned to their parents, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Arrests and Appreciation
As a result of these investigations, seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the trafficking cases. Among those arrested is a staff member of the Bida Local Government Council's Social Welfare Department, underscoring the involvement of individuals in positions of trust.
Commander Awhen expressed his gratitude to the Niger State Government, particularly through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, for their unwavering support and collaboration in these efforts. He commended the commissioner and the permanent secretary for their dedication to tackling human trafficking and safeguarding vulnerable children across the state.
Additionally, Awhen acknowledged the support of other security agencies, with special mention of the anti-human trafficking unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Their cooperation was instrumental in the successful rescue operations and thorough investigations, demonstrating a united front against human trafficking in Niger State.
