The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered a major child trafficking
syndicate operating in Benue State, leading to the arrest of an orphanage owner and the rescue of 26 children.
According to reports, operatives of NAPTIP, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the orphanage located in
Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where they discovered the children who were allegedly being prepared for illegal
adoption and trafficking.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, confirmed the operation in a statement released on
Sunday. She revealed that the agency’s swift intervention followed months of discreet surveillance and collaboration
with local law enforcement agencies in the state.
“Our operatives uncovered an elaborate trafficking network disguising as a charitable orphanage. The children, aged
between three months and 12 years, were found in deplorable conditions,” Waziri-Azi said.
The NAPTIP boss further disclosed that preliminary investigations showed that the orphanage was being used as a front
for trafficking children to other parts of the country and beyond. She added that several forged documents and fake
adoption papers were recovered from the premises during the raid.
“The woman who runs the orphanage has been arrested and is currently assisting with investigations. We also
recovered vital evidence, including financial records and communication devices, which are being analyzed,” she stated.
Eyewitnesses and residents of the area expressed shock over the discovery, describing the orphanage as one that had
long operated under the guise of helping abandoned children.
One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said:
“We used to see people coming in expensive cars to pick up children from the place. We never suspected anything
until the NAPTIP officers arrived.”
The rescued children have been transferred to a government-approved shelter for proper care, rehabilitation,
and counseling, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families where possible.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, who also confirmed the incident, commended NAPTIP for its proactive
efforts in combating human trafficking. He assured that the suspect and her accomplices would face the full weight of the law.
“This is a serious crime against humanity. We are working closely with NAPTIP to ensure that every person
involved in this criminal network is brought to justice,” he said.
NAPTIP has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious orphanages or individuals
involved in child-related crimes to the nearest law enforcement office.
Prof. Waziri-Azi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and eradicating human
trafficking networks across Nigeria.
“This operation once again highlights the importance of community collaboration in our fight against human trafficking.
We must continue to work together to safeguard our children,” she added.
The suspect is expected to be charged in court once investigations are completed.
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