The Makurdi Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has busted  a child trafficking syndicate, saving five victims and arresting eight suspects.

The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP Makurdi Zonal Command, Bai Gloria Iveren, said on Saturday that the operation followed a distress call from a mother seeking her twins, only to discover they were allegedly sold in December 2023.

She said NAPTIP operatives conducted meticulous surveillance and rescue operations across Makurdi metropolis, during which investigation unveiled a modus operandi where the syndicate targets vulnerable homes, including IDP camps, posing as helpers for education sponsorship.

Iveren explained that the suspects exploited the trust of unsuspecting families, then acquired children and subsequently sold them for sums ranging between N50,000 and N900,000 per child while disguising the transactions as adoptions.

“Among the arrested suspects are an 80-year-old woman, Innocent Josephine, and a 56-year-old woman, Ude Rosaline, both identified as key players in the illegal network.

Other members are Mr. Samuel Takura (50), Mr Williams Minde (35), Mrs. Celina Obiasogu (52), Mrs. Virginia Okonkwo (50), Mrs. Anthonia Onura (60), and Mrs. Ede Sunday Ngozi (52).

“Ongoing efforts are in place to apprehend Mama Nnamdi, who remains at large,” the NAPTIP commander said.

She added that all rescued victims have been reunited with their families, and legal proceedings against the suspects are underway.