Child trafficking in Nigeria: The changing faces of syndicates

TITILOPE JOSEPH reporting

The cries of five chil­dren rescued from the clutches of a traf­ficking syndicate in Plateau State, echo the alarm­ing rise of child trafficking in Nigeria. Among the rescued was two-year-old Blessing, tak­en from her home under the guise of being cared for by a trusted family friend, reports Saturday Independent.

Her case, along with others, now show a disturbing trend that the menace of child trafficking is no longer confined to the shad­ows but is now entangled with some religious leaders, organ­ised syndicates, and complicit institutions.

In December 2024, the Nige­ria Police, acting on intelligence reports busted a child traffick­ing syndicate operating in Jos, Plateau State. The group, led by Pastor Dayo Bernard of the End Time Army Ministry, had reportedly abducted and sold 13 children, earning millions of naira in the process.

The pastor’s involvement shocked many, as the institu­tion he represented is one often trusted by families for guidance and protection.

Child trafficking has reached an alarming level in Ni­geria, with syndicates increas­ingly using deceit and force to exploit vulnerable children.

Many of these children are traf­ficked for sexual exploitation and they are often forced into commercial sex work or used to produce child sexual abuse material.

Some are forced into child la­bour as they were made to work on construction sites, factories, mines, or as domestic servants under inhumane conditions while some are infused into the begging rings whereby children are placed on the streets to beg or commit petty crimes like theft.

One of the most popular trends now is the illegal adop­tion as infants and toddlers are stolen from their families and sold to unsuspecting couples for exploitation.

Recent incidents in Plateau State have shown how traffick­ers are employing the facade of religion to mask their crimes.

Pastor Dayo’s syndicate sold children for prices ranging be­tween ₦350,000 and ₦750,000. While all 13 children were even­tually rescued and reunited with their families, the trauma and scars left on these young victims remain immeasurable.

Religious leaders are seen as moral compasses in Nigerian society, often entrusted with the welfare of families and communities. However, recent revelations about some leaders’ involvement in child trafficking have shaken this trust.

The Plateau State Commis­sioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Panglang Dafur, has disclosed that some religious leaders and institutions are complicit in child trafficking.

Similarly, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), called on religious leaders to use their pulpits to raise awareness about the dangers of trafficking and to address the societal factors that make it possible.

“Trafficking is an ungodly act,” he declared. We must pro­tect our children and prevent this heinous crime from thriv­ing in our communities.”

The Nigeria Police Force has played a critical role in disman­tling trafficking syndicates and rescuing victims.

In the case of the Plateau syndicate, swift action by law enforcement re­sulted in the arrest of not only Pastor Dayo but also other accomplices, including Rita Agboeze, Victoria Ugwu, and Peter Ukwuani.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Ade­jobi, commended the collab­orative efforts of police units and emphasised the need for intelligence-driven strategies to combat organised crime.

“This particular operation also highlights the success of the Joint Task Force, which acted on credible intelligence to foil the syndicate’s operations.

Despite these efforts, law enforcement faces significant challenges, including inade­quate resources, corruption, and the sheer complexity of trafficking networks that often span across states and even borders.

Also, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traf­ficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has been at the forefront of the battle against child trafficking.

Since its establishment un­der the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act of 2003, NAPTIP has made strides in prevention, enforcement, and victim rehabilitation.

Key accomplishments of NAPTIP include: advocating amendments to laws to increase penalties for traffickers.

Educating communities about the dangers of traffick­ing and the tactics used by syndicates as well as providing counseling, education, and vo­cational training for rescued children.

The agency has also been partnering with police, Cus­toms, and Immigration to track and dismantle trafficking net­works.

However, the agency has re­peatedly called for greater sup­port from the government and international organisations to sustain its operations.

The sharp rise in child traf­ficking demands a coordinated response that addresses the root causes while dismantling traf­ficking networks.

In curbing this menace, there is need for strengthening law enforcement; as the gov­ernment must ensure that an­ti-trafficking laws are enforced rigorously. Complicit officials and traffickers must face the full weight of the law, with no room for impunity.

Religious and community leaders must take proactive roles in raising awareness and reporting suspicious activities. Families should be educated on how to identify and avoid traf­ficking schemes.

Meanwhile, poverty can be a major driver of child traf­ficking. There is a need for pro­grammes that provide financial support, education, and job op­portunities for vulnerable fam­ilies so as to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Rescued children must also be given comprehensive care, including trauma counseling, education, and reintegration into society. This will help break the cycle of exploitation.

With trafficking often cross­ing borders, Nigeria must strengthen ties with other na­tions and international organi­zations to combat transnational trafficking.

Meanwhile, Governor Ca­leb Mutfwang of Plateau State has promised decisive action against traffickers, urging par­ents to take responsibility for safeguarding their children. “This is not just a crime but a betrayal of our values as a peo­ple,” he stated.

The fight against child traf­ficking is not just the respon­sibility of the government or law enforcement—it requires a collective effort from every Nigerian. Families must be vigilant, communities must hold one another accountable, and leaders must prioritise the welfare of children.

As the Plateau’s rescue op­eration showed, it is possible to defeat trafficking syndicates when agencies like NAPTIP, the police, and community leaders work together.

However, the scars left on victims cannot be ignored. Their stories are a reminder of the urgency to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens from this growing menace.

Child trafficking is more than a crime; it is a direct as­sault on the future of the nation. To end it, every Nigerian must stand united, rejecting greed, complicity, and exploitation in favour of justice, and humanity.