The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, has warned parents nationwide against leaving their children in the care of casual friends, untrusted neighbors, and unreliable service providers amidst growing child trafficking concerns.

In a communique, she warned that such situations make children vulnerable to trafficking and theft.

Bello’s remarks came during the reunification of five-year-old Rahama Ibrahim with her parents in Damaturu, Yobe State, after she was abducted in Damaturu a few months ago by a suspect involved in child theft.

The DG, who was represented by the Yobe State NAPTIP Commander, Saleh Zakar, revealed that the victim Rahama was later intercepted in Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and that the suspect and an accomplice have since been charged in court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“I want to appeal to parents across the country to be vigilant and keep an eye on their children,” Bello said.
“It is very dangerous to keep your children in the care of strangers who come your way casually. Parents should also desist from sending their children on errands unaccompanied or on a lonely road in odd hours.

“On our part, we shall continue to ensure the protection of Nigerian children, and we thank all our partners who have continued to support our work.”

Reacting to the incident at the Government House in Dramaturg, where the reunification event took place, Yobe State Deputy Governor, Idi Gubana, alongside DSS operatives, praised NAPTIP’s proactive measures in combating trafficking and pledged the Yobe State Government’s support for the agency’s efforts.

Rahama’s father, Mallam Ibrahim, also expressed his gratitude to NAPTIP and the Federal Government for their role in ensuring his daughter’s well-being during her abduction and safe return.

“I want to thank the Director General of NAPTIP for assisting my family in taking very good care of my daughter,” he said.