- NAPTIP Rescues 5-Year-Old Girl Abducted by Trafficker in Yobe
- Suspected child trafficker arrested by DSS in Abuja
- Parents, deputy governor praise NAPTIP’s intervention
By Grateful Ogunjebe
A 5-year-old girl, Rahama Ibrahim, who was abducted by a suspected trafficker, has been rescued and reunited with her parents by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the child was rescued after months of being held by a criminal network led by a driver allegedly involved in child theft. The suspect was intercepted and arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
NAPTIP confirmed that the trafficker, along with an accomplice, has already been charged to court. The case is currently being handled in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.
The child was officially reunited with her family in a short handover ceremony held at the Yobe State Government House in Damaturu.
Mr. Saleh Zakar, NAPTIP’s State Commander in Yobe, handed Rahama over to her family on behalf of the agency’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello.
The DG used the occasion to issue a warning to parents, urging them not to entrust their children to casual acquaintances, neighbours, or strangers.
She noted that many child trafficking cases stem from poor judgment in placing children in the hands of people whose backgrounds remain unverified.
While speaking through her representative, the DG emphasised the dangers of sending children on errands alone, especially at odd hours or in unsafe environments.
Rahama’s father, Mallam Ibrahim, expressed deep gratitude to NAPTIP, saying he was overwhelmed to see his daughter safe and well cared for.
He said, “When I came here and saw my daughter, I noticed she is very neat and well taken care of. This agency is doing a great work, and I thank them very much.”
The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, who was present at the handover, commended NAPTIP for its proactive steps and commitment to child protection.
He pledged the continued support of the state government in fighting child trafficking and ensuring justice is served in related cases.
The NAPTIP DG also extended her appreciation to the DSS for their swift and professional handling of the case, which led to the arrest in Abuja.
She reiterated the agency’s commitment to the protection of Nigerian children, saying their mission remains focused on prevention, rescue, and reintegration.
NAPTIP further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities involving minors in their communities.
The agency urged parents to prioritise safety and conduct due diligence before leaving their children with anyone, especially in cities with rising trafficking cases.
This rescue highlights the increasing collaboration between national security agencies and anti-trafficking bodies, which has become vital in curbing crimes against children.
