Ten trafficked minors have been reunited with their biological parents in Jalingo, Taraba State, following a rescue operation by Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The repatriation, conducted on Tuesday in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, marks a significant step in the agency’s efforts to combat child trafficking in the region.
The children were rescued on January 31, 2026, when NAPTIP operatives intercepted a woman and the minors at Kurmi Park in Jalingo. According to authorities, the group was allegedly being transported to Baissa, the headquarters of Kurmi Local Government Area. This interception prevented the minors from being moved to an unknown destination, highlighting ongoing risks along regional transit routes.
Three days after the rescue, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mr. Eric Juyo, visited the NAPTIP Taraba Command to receive the children. The engagement, as detailed in a statement by NAPTIP Commander Mr. Bako Amos, focused on understanding the underlying factors driving the illegal movement of children. Officials assessed the victims’ experiences and challenges to inform future policies aimed at curbing human trafficking and irregular migration, particularly of women and girls.
The statement underscored the grave dangers of such irregular movements, which frequently occur without parental consent or through deception, often under the guise of offering better opportunities. Traffickers, it noted, systematically exploit children for financial gain, exposing them to potential abuse, exploitation, and long-term trauma.
NAPTIP issued a direct appeal to parents and guardians across Taraba State, urging them to resist handing over children to unscrupulous traffickers, even under economic pressure. The agency warned that such actions place minors in extreme jeopardy and facilitate criminal networks.
Reaffirming its mandate, NAPTIP committed to providing protection, rehabilitation, and care for all victims. The agency also vowed to pursue thorough investigations and ensure that all perpetrators and accomplices face prosecution under Nigerian law.
This operation illustrates the persistent threat of child trafficking in parts of Nigeria and the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in victim recovery. The focus now shifts to policy development based on these findings and heightened community awareness to prevent future incidents.
