“Stop Handing Kids To Casual Friends!” — NAPTIP DG Issues Stern Warning After Yobe Child Rescue!

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has issued a firm caution to Nigerian parents, urging them to stop entrusting their children to casual friends, unfamiliar neighbours, or one-time service providers.

According to iReporter Online, Bello stressed that such negligence often exposes children to the dangers of trafficking, abduction, and other forms of exploitation.

This warning was issued during a heartwarming reunion ceremony held in Damaturu, Yobe State, where five-year-old Rahama Ibrahim, who had been abducted months earlier, was officially reunited with her family. Representing the DG at the event was the Yobe State Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Saleh Zakar, who highlighted the coordinated efforts that led to Rahama’s recovery.

According to iReporter Online, the young girl had been kidnapped in Damaturu by a suspected child thief who posed as a driver. She was later found in Abuja, where operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) rescued her and took immediate steps to ensure her well-being. The main suspect, along with an accomplice, has already been arraigned in court in the nation’s capital.

The emotional reunion took place at the Yobe State Government House, in the presence of Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana, NAPTIP officials, and DSS operatives. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rahama’s father, Mallam Ibrahim, expressed deep gratitude to NAPTIP and the Federal Government for their swift action and compassionate care. “When I saw my daughter, she looked so clean and well cared for. I am thankful to the DG and all NAPTIP officers. They are doing a remarkable job,” he said.

Deputy Governor Gubana also lauded the leadership of Binta Adamu Bello for the agency’s proactive stance against child trafficking and pledged Yobe State’s continued support to NAPTIP’s mission. In a message delivered on her behalf, the DG expressed appreciation to the DSS for its steadfast collaboration and commended the successful interception of the suspect in Abuja.

Reinforcing her message, Bello urged parents nationwide to take collective responsibility in safeguarding their children. According to iReporter Online, she cautioned against sending children on errands during late hours or allowing them to navigate unsafe routes alone. “It is dangerous to entrust children to people you hardly know,” she emphasized.

The NAPTIP boss concluded by reaffirming the agency’s commitment to child protection, stating, “We are resolute in our mission to shield Nigerian children from harm, and we deeply value the unwavering support from our partner agencies”.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”