NAPTIP Rescues 58 Children in Benue as Hunt Intensifies for Over 200 Missing Minors

Nigeria’s anti-human trafficking agency, NAPTIP, says it has rescued 58 children linked to a disturbing case involving more than 300 missing minors in Benue State, as investigations into an alleged child trafficking network deepen.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons confirmed the development on Tuesday during a press briefing in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in Makurdi, Mrs Gloria Bai, speaking through the agency’s Head of Operations, Mr Yusuf Abdul, said the children were recovered in four separate operations following months of intelligence-led investigations.

Children aged two to eight

According to the agency, investigations into the case began in May 2025 after reports of widespread child disappearances, particularly in Guma Local Government Area.

The rescued children, aged between two and eight years, were traced to communities including Yelewata, Ukpam and Daudu.

NAPTIP disclosed that at least five suspects have been arrested so far, including the alleged leader of the trafficking gang, identified simply as Archbong. Officials said investigations remain ongoing, with efforts focused on locating and rescuing the remaining children.

Recoveries across states

Mrs Bai explained that the first major breakthrough led to the rescue of 20 children who had been moved from Benue to Nasarawa State and Abuja. The children were later reunited with their families.

Subsequent operations uncovered additional victims in three orphanage homes in Abuja, where six more children were rescued and returned to their parents.

“We made first, second, third and fourth recoveries through sustained investigation,” she said. “The total number of children involved is about 300, and we are determined to rescue every single one of them.”

Ongoing search

NAPTIP says it is working closely with other security agencies and community leaders to dismantle the trafficking network and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.

The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements involving children, stressing that the fight against human trafficking requires collective action.