NAPTIP REUNITES 10 TRAFFICKED CHILDREN WITH FAMILIES IN TARABA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in partnership with the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, has reunited 10 trafficked children with their biological parents in Jalingo, the state capital.

The children were rescued on January 31, 2026, after NAPTIP operatives intercepted a suspected trafficker transporting them at Kurmi Motor Park, Jalingo. They were formally handed over to their families on February 2.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Taraba State Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Bako Amos, said the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Mary Sinjen, along with the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Eric Juyo, visited the NAPTIP command to receive the children and engage with them.

Amos explained that the engagement aimed to establish the circumstances that led to the illegal movement of the minors and to assess challenges confronting them. The exercise also sought to guide policy development to reduce the incidence of human trafficking and irregular migration of children.

“NAPTIP warns that the irregular movement of children, often carried out without parental consent or under false promises of better opportunities, exposes them to exploitation and abuse,” Amos said. He cautioned parents and guardians against handing over children to traffickers under the guise of alleviating economic hardship.

The commander reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficking victims, stressing that traffickers would be prosecuted. “It will not be business as usual for traffickers in Taraba State. Anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Before being reunited with their families, the rescued children received counselling to help them cope with the trauma of their ordeal.

NAPTIP urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements involving minors to security agencies.