- Agency raises alarm over rising child sexual abuse reports, warns parents against exposing minors to suspected predators
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned that parents and guardians who facilitate the sexual exploitation of their children for money or other benefits will face investigation and prosecution.
The agency raised the alarm over reports of parents allegedly handing over their children to men for sexual gratification in exchange for financial rewards, describing the practice as a serious violation of children’s rights and a betrayal of parental responsibility.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, issued the warning in Abuja on Friday, expressing concern over what she described as an apparent increase in reports of parents and guardians allegedly facilitating the sexual abuse of minors.
Bello’s warning followed the arrest in Abuja of a middle-aged woman, whose identity was withheld, over allegations that she gave her teenage daughter to men for sexual exploitation in exchange for money.
The NAPTIP chief said the agency would intensify surveillance, investigations and enforcement activities, working with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that those found culpable were brought to justice.
“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.
She added that reports being received at the agency’s headquarters and commands across the country suggested that the practice could be increasing.
Bello described the alleged involvement of parents and guardians in the sexual abuse of children as particularly disturbing, noting that minors depend on their caregivers for protection, security and emotional support.
She warned that the consequences of sexual exploitation could be devastating, affecting victims’ physical and psychological well-being, health and long-term development.
“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,” she said.
The Director-General recalled that she had earlier directed NAPTIP commands nationwide to strengthen surveillance, improve rapid-response mechanisms and ensure effective prosecution of cases involving child abuse and sexual assault.
According to her, the agency is reinforcing these measures in response to reports reaching its headquarters and field commands, with particular emphasis on identifying perpetrators and preventing further abuse.
NAPTIP warns parents over domestic workers
Beyond the alleged complicity of parents and guardians, Bello cautioned families against exposing children to potential predators through inadequate screening of domestic workers and other service providers who have access to their homes and children’s daily routines.
She urged parents to conduct proper background checks and due diligence on gatekeepers, drivers, gardeners, school-run drivers and vendors, particularly those who may supervise children while their parents are away at work.
“I also wish to call on parents to be careful with the choice of servicemen and vendors who come around their houses when they are at work. It is important for all parents to carry out due diligence and proper profiling of their vendors so as not to give their children to a suspected paedophile who will continue to abuse them,” Bello said.
She further advised parents to remain attentive to the people entrusted with their children’s daily care, warning that abuse could be perpetrated by individuals familiar to the children and their families.
The agency stressed that child protection must remain a shared responsibility involving parents, guardians, communities and relevant institutions, while urging members of the public to report suspected cases of sexual abuse and exploitation to the appropriate authorities.
NAPTIP’s warning comes amid concerns over the vulnerability of children to exploitation by people who should ordinarily protect them. The agency reiterated its commitment to investigating allegations of abuse and prosecuting suspects where sufficient evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
It also urged parents and guardians to prioritise the safety and welfare of children, warning that financial hardship or any other circumstance would not justify facilitating their sexual exploitation.
