NAPTIP rescues 6-year-old girl, arrests 2 suspects in A’Ibom

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says the agency, in collaboration with the Foundation for Justice Development and Peace (FJDP), has rescued a six-year-old girl, who was stolen from her parents in 2018 in Akwa Ibom State.

The Uyo Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, said this in an interview with newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.

According to Awhen, the two suspects had been arrested for the crime and were undergoing interrogations.

He stated that the two suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.

“We had a complaint from the Foundation for Justice Development and Peace; when they brought the complaint, we worked in collaboration with them, and we were able to rescue the stolen little girl since 2018.

“We got the information that a refugee child was taken from the mother six years ago and investigations commenced and the child was traced to a certain family in Uyo.

“The girl was rescued and kept in our shelter in Uyo, so yesterday, Wednesday, 23 October 2024, after due investigations and findings, the girl was handed over to her biological parent.

“Presently, we are investigating a case of buying and selling babies; right now, the people involved are in our custody, undergoing interrogation. This also involves a newborn baby about two months old,” Awhen said.

The zonal commander expressed displeasure on the increase in the crime of buying and selling babies, advising those involved in the crime to desist forthwith.

The zonal commander said that the agency would not relent in its effort to fight human trafficking to a standstill, stressing that human trafficking is a crime against humanity. He said the agency would continue to sensitise the people on the dangers associated with human trafficking, advising traffickers to desist from such acts or continue to face the full wrath of the law.