The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised the alarm over alleged cases of parents and guardians handing over their children for sexual exploitation in exchange for money, warning that perpetrators will face prosecution and the maximum penalties prescribed by law.
The agency’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while reacting to reports of increasing sexual abuse and assault against children, including cases in which parents or guardians allegedly facilitate the exploitation of their own children for financial gain.
Bello’s warning followed the arrest of a middle-aged woman by NAPTIP operatives in Abuja over allegations that she gave out her teenage daughter to men for sexual pleasure in exchange for money.
The agency did not disclose the identities of the woman or the alleged victims.
Describing the alleged conduct as an extreme form of cruelty against children, the NAPTIP chief said she was disturbed by reports reaching the agency’s headquarters and commands across the country.
“I am personally disturbed as a mother and as the Director-General of NAPTIP, by the reported cases of some parents aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of their children for monetary benefits,” she said.
“From the reports being logged both at the Headquarters and in our commands across the country, it appears that this unhealthy development is on the increase.”
Bello condemned the alleged involvement of parents and guardians in the sexual exploitation of children entrusted to their care, saying such acts betray the trust children place in those responsible for their protection.
“I cannot imagine that a mother would agree to give out her daughter to men for sexual pleasure in return for money or other benefits. This is among the highest forms of wickedness, and it contravenes all legal frameworks, laws, and conventions, both national and global,” she said.
She warned that sexual exploitation could have devastating consequences for victims’ physical and psychological well-being, health and future prospects.
The Director-General said NAPTIP had strengthened its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and directed its commands nationwide to intensify surveillance, improve rapid responses to reported cases and pursue the effective prosecution of suspected perpetrators.
She added that the agency was collaborating with other law enforcement bodies and relevant partners to ensure prompt investigations and prosecutions.
“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.
The NAPTIP chief also warned parents to exercise greater caution when employing domestic workers and other service providers who have access to their children, particularly when parents are away from home.
She urged families to conduct proper background checks on drivers, gardeners, domestic staff, school-run drivers and other vendors who regularly interact with children.
According to her, some reported cases of abuse involve people who are familiar to the children or have access to them through their parents’ households.
Bello cautioned parents against assuming that familiarity automatically guarantees the safety of their children, stressing the need for proper screening and vigilance.
The warning comes amid renewed calls for stronger protection of children against sexual abuse and exploitation, particularly where alleged perpetrators are people entrusted with their care.
NAPTIP said it would continue to pursue cases involving the sexual abuse of minors and hold anyone found culpable accountable under the law.
