Investigatorsnews

- Tita Onyebuchi Nze >Abuja<

DG NAPTIP LAMENTS INCREASED CASES OF ABUSE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CHILDREN, READS RIOT ACT TO PERPETRATORS

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, OON, has lamented the high rate of sexual abuse and assault on minors across the Country by some parents and guardians, warning that the Agency will henceforth continue to ensure strict prosecution and conviction of any of the perpetrators.

She disclosed that the Agency is inundated with reports of parents and guardians giving their children and wards out for sexual exploitation in return for money, thereby turning those innocent children into sex toys with the attendant consequences both on their health and their future lives.

The Director General gave the warning in Abuja while speaking on the increased level of sexual assault on children, presumably by their parents or guardians, as it is being reported to the Agency.

It would be recalled that in reaction to the disturbing incidents of sexual assault and abuse on children, the NAPTIP Boss had, a few months ago, issued a directive to all the Agency’s Commands across the Country on the need to increase their surveillance, rapid response mechanism, and also effective prosecution of all cases that involve child abuse and sexual assault.

Speaking in reaction to the arrest of a middle-aged woman (name withheld) by the Operatives of the Agency in Abuja, on allegations of giving out her teenage daughter for sexual pleasure in exchange for money, Binta Adamu Bello described the development as the highest form of cruelty against the child, which attracts the maximum penalty.

She disclosed that “I am personally disturbed as a mother and as the Director General of NAPTIP, by the reported cases of some parents aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of their children for monetary benefits.

“From the reports being logged both at the Headquarters and in our Command across the Country, it appears that this unhealthy development is on the increase.

“I cannot imagine that a mother would agree to give out her daughter to men for sexual pleasure in return for money or other benefits. This is among the highest forms of wickedness, and it contravenes all legal frameworks, laws, and conventions, both national and global.

“This act amounts to turning such a child into a sex toy, with devastating effects on the health of the child, her physical and psychological nature, as well as her career in life.

“It is painful to know that the very person who is in a position of authority, either as a parent or guardian to protect and defend the child, and whom the child trusted so much, is the same person who either abuses or aids sexual assault on her.

“In reaction to this, we have strengthened monitoring mechanisms as well as enforcement, and those parents or guardians who indulge in these obnoxious practices will have us to contend with in the Court of Law. We have strengthened our collaboration with partners and other sister Law enforcement Agencies across the country to enhance prompt investigation and prosecution of any culprits in this regard.

“No excuse is tenable for this devilish act, and in line with our mandates, we shall not spare anyone found culpable in any abuse and sexual assault on children across the country.

“I also wish to call on parents to be careful with the choice of servicemen and vendors who come around their houses when they are at work. It is important for all parents to carry out due diligence and proper profiling of their vendors so as not to give their children to a suspected paedophile who will continue to abuse them.

“Be careful with the choice of your gatekeepers, drivers, gardeners, and even the persons that do your school run. A lot of abuses are being carried out by suspected vendors and other known faces to the children”, the Director General warned.

Vincent Adekoye

Head, Press and Public Relations Unit

NAPTIP Headquarters

Abuja

6th October 2026.

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