The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has launched a detailed investigation into the alleged trafficking of four minors from Adamawa State while they were being transported through Nasarawa State.
The Nasarawa State Commandant of NAPTIP, Sa’adatu Galadima, disclosed the development on Thursday while parading two suspects linked to the case in Lafia, the state capital.
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According to Galadima, the suspects identified as Asabe Bedan, 33, and Calpurnia Ogianfen, 40, were intercepted by operatives of the Department of State Services.
She explained that the suspects were travelling from Karu Local Government Area and were allegedly heading toward Edo State when they were apprehended.
Preliminary investigations by the agency revealed that the suspects may have trafficked more than 20 children from Adamawa State to Edo and Lagos State.
Galadima said the suspects were intercepted on February 25 while attempting to move the children out of Nasarawa State.
“The suspects were intercepted at Karu LGA on the 25th of February in an attempt to move the children to Edo State. With the full commencement of investigations, more actionable information would be uncovered to give room for prosecution,” she said.
The NAPTIP official also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about individuals they trust with their children.
“I urge parents to be wary of whom they relate with because human traffickers live among close relations, guardians, and the neighbourhood,” she added.
Galadima further stated that the agency has made progress in tackling human trafficking in the state and will intensify operations to dismantle trafficking networks operating within the region.