The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation into the suspected trafficking of four minors from Adamawa State to Nasarawa State.
The Nasarawa State Commandant of NAPTIP, Sa’adatu Galadima, disclosed this on Thursday while parading two suspects in Lafia.
Galadima identified the suspects as Asabe Bedan, 33, and Calpurnia Ogianfen, 40. She said they were intercepted by operatives of the Department of State Services while transporting the minors.
According to her, the suspects were travelling from Karu Local Government Area and were allegedly on their way to Edo State when they were apprehended.
Preliminary investigations, she said, indicated that the suspects had trafficked more than 20 children from Adamawa to Edo and Lagos State in the past.
“The suspects were intercepted at Karu LGA on February 25 while attempting to move the children to Edo State. As investigations fully commence, more actionable information will be uncovered to support prosecution,” Galadima said.
She urged parents and guardians to be cautious about the people they trust with their children, warning that human traffickers often operate within communities and among close acquaintances.
Galadima added that NAPTIP had made progress in tackling human trafficking in the state and would intensify raids and enforcement operations to curb the crime.
