Two suspects arrested as NAPTIP rescues six-year old girl stolen from parents in 2018

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, 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, who made this known on Thursday, October 24, 2024, said the agency achieved the feat in partnership with the Foundation for Justice Development and Peace.

He added that that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the trafficking of the minor who was four months at the time of the incident. 

Awhen said that the agency got an intelligence report concerning the stolen girl, and traced her to a family in Uyo.

According to him, the agency was currently investigating a case of illegal buying and selling of a two-month old baby in the state.

He expressed worries that trafficking in children was on the increase in the state, and cautioned perpetrators to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Awhen who described human trafficking as a crime against humanity, said that NAPTIP was committed to tackling the menace of child stealing.

“The two suspects are currently undergoing interrogations. They will be charged to court when investigation is concluded,” he said.

“The girl was kept in our shelter for proper identification. She has been handed over to her biological parents.

“We shall continue to sensitise the people to the dangers associated with human trafficking, it is senseless and barbaric, we must discourage it,” he said.