Key Points

• NAPTIP rescues 26 children from an illegal orphanage in Abuja.

• The orphanage owner is accused of trafficking minors for illegal adoption.

• NAPTIP rescues 26 children operation underscores Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Nigeria has found a suspected child trafficking ring in Abuja. They rescued 26 children from an unregistered orphanage in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The operation, which happened over the weekend, was the result of a coordinated sting by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and officers from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. They had received information that the orphanage was being used to traffic minors for illegal adoption and forced labour.

26 kids are saved by NAPTIP in Abuja raid

The agency said that the kids, who were between six months and 13 years old and were girls and boys, were not in good health. Some looked like they weren’t getting enough food and were mentally distressed. They have since been moved to a NAPTIP shelter for medical care and rehabilitation.

Mrs. Angela Ojeifo, NAPTIP’s Director of Intelligence and Public Enlightenment, told reporters that the raid happened after weeks of watching the God’s Care Orphanage Home because neighbours had complained about strange things happening there.

“Our investigation showed that the orphanage was running without the right paperwork or registration. Ojeifo said, “Early results show that some of the rescued children were being prepared for illegal adoption to buyers in and out of Nigeria.”

Police arrested Mrs. Beatrice Nwogu, 45, who is said to be the owner, and she is now helping them with their investigation. Authorities think she might be part of a bigger trafficking ring that has connections in Anambra, Lagos, and Ogun States, where other similar cases have been reported.

The NAPTIP operation to save 26 children is now going nationwide

Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director-General of NAPTIP, spoke in Abuja and said that the bust was “a chilling reminder that child trafficking syndicates are evolving and becoming more organised.”

She said, “The NAPTIP rescues 26 children operation shows our commitment to breaking up criminal networks that use innocent lives as a cover for charity.”

Waziri-Azi said that since January 2025, NAPTIP has saved more than 3,700 trafficking victims across the country. There are also more than 40 ongoing prosecutions for child exploitation, illegal adoption, and forced labour.

She praised security agencies and whistleblowers for being on the lookout, saying that Nigeria’s investigative reach has grown thanks to recent partnerships with UNICEF, INTERPOL, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

People are being asked to keep an eye on orphanages that seem suspicious

Civil society groups have praised NAPTIP’s actions and asked the government to make it harder for private orphanages to operate and make child protection systems stronger.

Mrs. Yemi Lawal, the Executive Director of Child Rights Awareness and Protection Initiative (CRAPI), said that the rescue shows that there are problems with how the state watches over things. “There are a lot of illegal homes that pretend to be orphanages.” “Without regular audits by social welfare ministries, these places become breeding grounds for exploitation,” she said.

Waziri-Azi asked the public to call NAPTIP’s toll-free number, 0703 0000 203, if they see anything strange with children or unlicensed orphanages. He promised that the calls would be kept secret. “We are making enforcement stronger. She warned, “Anyone who is found to be trading in children will face the full weight of the law.”

While the investigations are still going on, NAPTIP said that they are working to get the rescued children back with verified family members or put them in approved welfare institutions. Officials also hinted that more arrests could happen as the investigation spreads to other states.

The agency says that for now, the focus is still on the welfare of the rescued minors. This shows that vigilance, partnership, and public reporting are still important in Nigeria’s fight against child trafficking.