NAPTIP jails two for human trafficking, seven others on trial

n n

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has disclosed that seven suspects are currently facing trial in Gombe State over alleged baby trafficking and other human trafficking-related offences.

n

The agency also said two persons had been convicted and sentenced to prison terms for offences connected with human trafficking in the state.

n

The Gombe State Commander of NAPTIP, Aminu Shira, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Gombe, noting that the agency had intensified investigations and prosecution of persons suspected of involvement in trafficking activities.

n

Shira further disclosed that some healthcare workers and officials within the social welfare system were collaborating with traffickers to facilitate the illegal sale and movement of babies.

n

He said the development has heightened the agency’s efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance around vulnerable communities and institutions.

n

According to the commander, NAPTIP is working with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to identify trafficking networks, arrest suspects and ensure that those found culpable faced the full weight of the law.

n

He said, “We have seven persons currently facing prosecution over cases bordering on baby trafficking and human trafficking, while two others have been convicted and sentenced to prison.

n

“We are intensifying our investigations and intelligence gathering because we are determined to dismantle trafficking networks and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

n

Shira, who expressed serious concern over the alleged involvement of some individuals who should ordinarily be protecting vulnerable children, particularly healthcare workers and social welfare officials, lamented, “We have discovered that some compromised healthcare workers and officials within the social welfare system are allegedly collaborating with traffickers to facilitate the illegal sale and movement of babies.

n

“This is a serious concern, and we are strengthening our investigations and working with other relevant agencies to ensure that anyone found to be involved is made to face the law.”

n

The commander assured that the agency would continue to deepen collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute offenders.

n

He added that community members have important roles to play by providing timely information to authorities whenever they noticed suspicious activities involving children or vulnerable persons.

n

Shira urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and exercise caution, particularly when dealing with individuals or organisations offering to facilitate the adoption, movement or care of children.

n

He said, “Community support is very important in the fight against human trafficking. Members of the public should not remain silent when they notice suspicious activities.

n

“Timely information can help us prevent trafficking, rescue victims and apprehend those behind these criminal networks.”

n

He promised residents that NAPTIP would sustain its efforts to combat baby trafficking and other forms of human trafficking across Gombe State.

n n