No fewer than two children were recovered from Abuja and Lagos, PERISCOPE NIGERIA gathered that the minors were trafficked by suspected relations.
Confirming this Gombe State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Aminu Shira, noted that his organisation was poised to ensuring the protection of lives.
Shira identified the children to include four months old Aisha Shehu, and 11 years old Usman Kabiru.
Our correspondent reports that NAPTIP’s involvement and recovery of the children was a sequel to arrest of 16 suspects by the police last January, adding that after investigation the agency confirmed that it 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 involve in the case, Aisha Shehu “F” Four Months old and Usman Kabiru eleven years old “M” were recovered and rescued by NAPTIP operatives in Abuja and Lagos respectively.
“After carefully investigation and arriving at the fact finding is evidently clear that it was a case of child trafficking, sale of babies and sexual exploitation have been established against the suspects.”
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 and filed before the Federal and State Higher Court Gombe Judiciary Division with different count charges on the basic of the evidence adduced for the possible prosecution.”
Commenting further the State Commander stated the agency is not only interested in prosecution but 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 has been enrolled into skills acquisition training (Tailoring) for six months here in Gombe and the Command sponsored all financial bill for the training and monthly allowance for the victims during the period of the training, one male victim has enrolled into Sheikh Jafar Memorial Primary School Arawa Gombe to continuation of his education which also 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.”
