NAPTIP Hands Over 9 Trafficked Children to Kebbi State Government

By Awwal Umar Kontagora The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has repatriated nine children trafficked ...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has repatriated nine children trafficked from Kebbi State to Calabar and officially handed them over to Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.

Speaking at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, Governor Idris condemned the act of trafficking and vowed that those responsible would face justice. He assured that his administration would not tolerate illegal activities, especially those that endanger the lives of children, and pledged to protect the state’s young population from exploitation.

He urged parents to cherish their children and take responsibility for raising and mentoring them to become responsible citizens.

Earlier, the NAPTIP Commander in Kebbi State, Mas'ud Kaura, revealed that the children had been trafficked from Kebbi to Calabar in Cross River State. He confirmed that the agent responsible for the trafficking had been arrested and that the case was under investigation.

“The perpetrator orchestrated the smuggling of these children first to Zamfara, before transporting them to Calabar in Cross River State,” Kaura stated.

He assured the public that arrests had been made and the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation.

Kaura also announced plans to launch a sensitization campaign to educate parents and communities on the dangers of child trafficking and labor. He emphasized that trafficking is a severe crime punishable under Nigerian law.