In a shocking case that highlights Nigeria’s ongoing battle against child trafficking, authorities have rescued a two-year-old girl who was allegedly sold for just ₦100,000 after being taken from her family in Abuja. The emotional rescue operation in Aba, Abia State has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for tougher action against human trafficking syndicates.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) revealed disturbing details of the case on Friday. According to their investigation, the innocent toddler – given the alias “Chiamaka Favor” by her captors – was trafficked from Nigeria’s capital city to Aba back in February 2025. For three agonizing months, the child remained in the hands of traffickers before NAPTIP’s Abia Command finally located and freed her on May 8.
“The suspect we have in custody was actually arrested by DSS operatives in Abia before being handed over to our agency,” a NAPTIP spokesperson explained. “Our preliminary findings indicate this individual worked with a network of three different trafficking syndicates based in Abuja to facilitate this horrible crime.”
Authorities say the child was ultimately sold to a buyer in Aba’s bustling commercial district for the shockingly low sum of ₦100,000 – equivalent to about $200. Investigators are now working around the clock to identify the other members of this trafficking ring and determine how many other children may have fallen victim to their operations.
Perhaps most heartbreaking of all is that the rescued girl’s true identity remains unknown. NAPTIP has launched a nationwide appeal, begging the child’s biological parents or any relatives to come forward. The agency has circulated posters with the girl’s photo across social media and traditional media outlets.
“This poor child deserves to be reunited with her real family,” said NAPTIP’s Director-General, visibly emotional during a press briefing. “We’re asking all Nigerians – if you recognize this girl, if you know any family missing a two-year-old since February, please contact us immediately.”
The case has reignited public anger about Nigeria’s human trafficking epidemic. Just last month, another high-profile case made headlines when a doctor in Abuja was accused of stealing a newborn twin during delivery. Child rights activists are now demanding tougher penalties for traffickers and better protections for vulnerable children.
As investigations continue, NAPTIP has assured the public they will pursue this case to its logical conclusion. “We won’t rest until every member of this trafficking network is behind bars,” the agency vowed. For now, the rescued toddler remains in protective custody as the search for her true identity continues – a painful reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s trafficking crisis.
