Two minors who were suspected to have been trafficked by their relations have been recovered by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
one of the children, four-month-old Aisha Shehu, and the other, 11 years old, Usman Kabiru, were recovered from Abuja and Lagos respectively.
Confirming the arrest and rescue operations, the Gombe State Commander of NAPTIP, Aminu Shira, stressed that his organisation is poised to ensure the protection of lives.
Shira who identified the children to include four months old Aisha Shehu, and 11 years old Usman Kabiru revealed that NAPTIP’s involvement and recovery of the children was sequel to the arrest of 16 suspects by the police last January, adding that after investigations, the agency confirmed that it was a case of trafficking, sale of babies and sexual exploitation.
He said, “If you may recall that on 10th January, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force Gombe State Command handed over 16 suspects of criminal conspiracy and child trafficking to NAPTIP Gombe State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The victims were interviewed and also gave statements voluntarily and later admitted into the NAPTIP Command shelter to undergoing rehabilitation process.
“Two other victims involved in the case, Aisha Shehu “F” Four Months old and Usman Kabiru 11 years old “M” were recovered and rescued by NAPTIP operatives in Abuja and Lagos respectively.
“After a careful investigation and arriving at the fact finding it became evidently clear that it was a case of child trafficking, sale of babies and sexual exploitation and these have been established against the suspects,” he narrated.
While disclosing that NAPTIP frowns at trafficking, Shira added that, “Upon the conclusion of the investigation of alleged child trafficking, sale of babies and sexual exploitation, the nine suspects have been charged for legal actions appropriately and their cases filed before the Federal and State Higher Court Gombe Judiciary Division with different count charges on the basis of the evidence adduced for their possible prosecution.”
Commenting further, the State Commander stated the agency is not only interested in their prosecution but also in resettling victims.
He said, “Three involved victims were empowered by the Command to fully rehabilitate and re-integrate into the society. Two female victims have been enrolled into skills acquisition training of tailoring for six months here in Gombe and the Command sponsored the financial bill for the training and monthly allowance for the victims during the period of the training.
“Another, a male victim has enrolled into the Sheikh Jafar Memorial Primary School Arawa Gombe for the continuation of his education, which is also being sponsored by the NAPTIP.
“Finally, NAPTIP as a Agency will always remain fully committed towards the prevention of all forms of exploitation against women and children and will uplift and liberate the vulnerable in the communities and we continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safe and better society,” Shira declared.
