The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has uncovered a child trafficking ring in Makurdi and saved five children. They also apprehended an 80-year-old woman and seven others in connection with the crime.

Mrs. Gloria Bai, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP Makurdi Zonal Command, revealed that the operation was successful due to a tip-off and a distress call from a mother whose children were taken and sold to traffickers in December. She stated that NAPTIP operatives conducted thorough surveillance and rescue missions across the Makurdi metropolis from January 17 to 22, 2024, which led to the breakthrough.

According to Mrs. Bai, the investigation exposed a pattern where the syndicate targeted vulnerable households, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, by posing as helpers offering educational sponsorship. They took advantage of the trust of unsuspecting families, acquired their children, and then sold them for amounts ranging from N350,000 to ₦900,000 per child, disguising the transactions as adoptions.

Among the individuals arrested were an 80-year-old woman, Innocent Josephine, and a 56-year-old woman, Ude Rosaline, both identified as key figures in the criminal network. Other suspects included Mr. Samuel Takura (50), Mr. Williams Minde (35), Mrs. Celina Obiasogu (52), Mrs. Virginia Okonkwo (50), Mrs. Anthonia Onura (60), and Mrs. Ede Sunday Ngozi (52). Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Mama Nnamdi, who is currently at large.

Mrs. Bai confirmed that all the rescued victims had been reunited with their families and that legal proceedings against the suspects are in progress. The Command advised the public to be cautious when approached by individuals offering help with child education, given the prevalence of child trafficking under the guise of adoption. She also urged those interested in adopting children in the state to contact the State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper guidance to avoid falling victim to criminal elements.

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