The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking in Niger State, rescuing six victims, including twin babies, and arresting seven suspects involved in the heinous crime.
Mr Emmanuel Awhen, the State Commander of NAPTIP in Niger, revealed these details on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, during an emotional reunion ceremony where some of the rescued children were reunited with their parents at the agency’s office in Minna.
How the Twin Babies Were Stolen and Recovered
According to Commander Awhen, the heartbreaking case began when the mother of the twins reported that a female staff member from the Social Welfare Department in Bida took her newborn babies just one day after their birth. The suspect had deceived the vulnerable mother with promises that the government would assist in raising the children.
However, NAPTIP investigations uncovered a disturbing trafficking network. The babies had been sold through a nurse working at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, to buyers in Lagos State and Anambra State.
Thanks to the agency’s swift intervention, the twins were successfully recovered and reunited with their biological mother on December 18, 2025. The emotional reunion took place in the presence of the Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris-Kuta.
Four More Children Rescued from Same Trafficking Syndicate
The investigation didn’t stop there. NAPTIP operatives uncovered another related case involving the same criminal network. This time, the suspects targeted a beggar in Bida, deceiving her with false promises of government support for her children’s upbringing and education.
“In the process, four children were taken from this woman. Two were kept by the suspects as domestic helpers, while the other two were sold through the same nurse and her associate to individuals in Abia and Anambra states,” Commander Awhen explained.
The two children who had been kept as domestic workers were later returned to their parents during the course of the investigation.
Seven Suspects Arrested, Including Government Official
NAPTIP has arrested seven suspects in connection with these trafficking cases. Shockingly, one of those arrested is a staff member of the Bida Local Government Council’s Social Welfare Department – a position of trust that was grossly abused.
The involvement of government officials and medical personnel in these crimes highlights the sophistication of child trafficking networks operating in Nigeria and the need for increased vigilance and accountability in public institutions.
Collaboration Key to Success
Commander Awhen praised the Niger State Government, particularly the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, for their unwavering support and collaboration in combating human trafficking.
He specifically commended Commissioner Hajiya Hadiza Idris-Kuta and the ministry’s permanent secretary for their commitment to protecting vulnerable children in the state.
The NAPTIP commander also acknowledged the crucial support provided by other security agencies, especially the anti-human trafficking unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), whose cooperation was instrumental in the rescue operations and investigations.
A Wake-Up Call for All Nigerians
This case serves as a stark reminder that child trafficking remains a serious problem in Nigeria, with criminals exploiting vulnerable families, particularly those in poverty. The involvement of public officials and medical personnel in these crimes makes it even more disturbing.
Parents and guardians must remain vigilant and never surrender their children to anyone, regardless of promises made, without proper documentation and verification through recognized authorities.
If you suspect any case of human trafficking or child abuse, please report immediately to NAPTIP or other security agencies. Together, we can protect our children and bring traffickers to justice.
NAPTIP’s toll-free number is 627 for reporting human trafficking cases across Nigeria.
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