The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued four minors from two suspected traffickers in Nasarawa State and launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged trafficking network behind the operation.
According to the agency, the rescue followed the arrest of the two suspects, believed to be moving the children to another state, with authorities now working to dismantle the wider trafficking ring.
The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Asabe Bedan and 40-year-old Calpurnia Ogianfen, were allegedly transporting the minors when security operatives intercepted them.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may have been involved in a broader scheme that moved more than 20 children from Nasarawa State to destinations including Edo State and Lagos State.
The Nasarawa State Commandant of NAPTIP, Sa’adatu Galadima, said the suspects were apprehended while attempting to transport the children.
“The suspects were intercepted at Karu Local Government Area on February 25 in an attempt to move the children to Edo State,” Galadima said.
“With the full commencement of investigations, more actionable information will be uncovered to give room for prosecution,” she added.
Galadima also cautioned parents and guardians to be vigilant, noting that traffickers often operate within familiar circles.
“I therefore urge parents to be wary of whom they relate with because human traffickers live among close relations, guardians, and within the neighbourhood,” she said.
She further highlighted that the agency had made considerable progress in combating trafficking, stressing that enforcement operations would be intensified to curb the crime.
Meanwhile, NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to strengthening surveillance and raids aimed at dismantling human trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable children across the state.
