TRAFFICKERS POSE AS NGOS TO LURE CHILDREN FROM VULNERABLE FAMILIES

Criminal groups involved in child trafficking are reportedly adopting a new method of gaining access to children by posing as representatives of civil society organisations, humanitarian groups and orphanage centres. The traffickers allegedly approach vulnerable families with promises of better education, improved living conditions and brighter opportunities for their children, only to take the children away and expose them to possible exploitation. The development has raised fresh concerns among child protection agencies over the increasing sophistication of trafficking networks operating across Nigeria.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, recently disclosed that it had rescued more than 180 children allegedly trafficked from five states by criminal groups operating under the cover of civil society organisations. The agency said some of the groups deceived parents by presenting themselves as legitimate organisations working to improve the lives of children before taking the children away under false pretences. In some cases, children moved far away from their families and communities could become exposed to domestic servitude, abuse, child labour and other forms of exploitation.

Child protection advocates also warned that the activities of fake NGOs and questionable orphanage operators could make it more difficult for genuine organisations to carry out their work. Angela Okoye, a member of the national working committee of the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development, said vulnerable families, particularly those in rural communities, were often targeted because of their difficult economic circumstances. She explained that children taken under such arrangements could eventually end up working as domestic servants or house helps, sometimes without receiving payment, while being separated from their families and denied proper protection.

NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye said the agency had increased surveillance across the country and was working with other security and law enforcement agencies to identify suspicious facilities. He disclosed that some orphanage centres had already been sealed in Delta State, Port Harcourt, the Federal Capital Territory and other locations based on intelligence and reasonable suspicion. He added that NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu had directed the agency's commands nationwide to intensify efforts against child trafficking and pay closer attention to orphanages and other facilities where children could be vulnerable to abuse.

The police and other child protection agencies have also warned parents and guardians to be suspicious of people offering seemingly attractive opportunities for their children, especially promises of free education, lucrative employment or a better life in another part of the country or abroad. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it had commenced investigations based on information obtained from suspects recently arrested over alleged trafficking activities, while child rights advocates called for stronger regulation, regular inspection of orphanages and better coordination among government agencies. They stressed that rescuing trafficked children should only be the beginning, as victims also require shelter, education, medical care, counselling, rehabilitation and long-term support to recover from the effects of trafficking.