NAPTIP reunites child trafficking victims in Kano with families

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reunited four victims of child trafficking with their families in Kano.

Abdullahi Babale, Kano zonal commander of the agency, disclosed this at a media briefing on Thursday.

Babale said the agency received six victims aged 7 and 9 on September 24, who were rescued by a good samaritan identified as Kabir Abdulhamid, along Zoo road, in Kano metropolis.

He noted that four of the children were from Katsina, while one was from Azare in Bauchi state, and the other from Niger Republic.

The NAPTIP commander added that based on preliminary investigations, the children had been sleeping on the streets for more than a year, catering for themselves since they have no relatives in Kano.

Babale said the agency provided new clothes, bags, shoes, food and shelter for the children before transporting them to Katsina and Bauchi. 

He also added that the agency received four other rescued victims of child trafficking and arrested one suspect in connection with the crime.

He said the victims aged between 10 and 13 years were rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

He urged parents and guardians to always monitor their wards, adding that the suspect would soon be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

“The suspect brought the victims to Kano from Zaria with intention to sell them. The victims have since been reunited with their families,” NAN quoted Babale as saying.

“I am appealing to the public that the fight against human trafficking should not be left to NAPTIP alone. We need the support and cooperation so that together we can fight the crime.

“NAPTIP will always remain committed to the prevention of all forms of exploitation against children, women and liberating vulnerable in the communities towards ensuring a safer and better society.”