NAPTIP Raises Alarm Over Rising Child Sexual Abuse, Warns Parents Against Betrayal of Trust

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised concerns over reports of increasing child abuse and sexual exploitation across Nigeria, warning that anyone found complicit in such crimes will face the consequences of the law.

The agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, said reports reaching its headquarters and commands nationwide suggested that the disturbing trend was becoming more prevalent, prompting renewed efforts to strengthen surveillance, investigations and prosecution.

Bello expressed particular concern over allegations involving parents, guardians and other individuals entrusted with children’s safety, noting that some people expected to protect vulnerable children could instead expose them to abuse or facilitate their exploitation.

She described such acts as a grave betrayal of the trust children place in adults responsible for their care and protection.

“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,” she said.

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The NAPTIP chief warned that the agency would not tolerate the exploitation of children for financial gain, stressing that no justification could excuse sexual abuse or the deliberate exposure of minors to predators.

“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,” Bello said.

She disclosed that NAPTIP had strengthened its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms while collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that allegations of child abuse were investigated promptly and offenders prosecuted.

Bello also recalled that she had previously directed the agency’s commands across the country to intensify surveillance, improve emergency response procedures and ensure effective prosecution of cases involving child abuse and sexual assault.

According to her, the directives are being reinforced in response to the growing number of reports reaching the agency from different parts of the country.

She further cautioned parents and guardians against overlooking the risks children may face from individuals who have access to their homes and daily routines, including domestic workers and other people entrusted with their care.

The agency urged families to exercise greater vigilance and take children’s safety seriously, as efforts continue to strengthen the response to sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.