NAPTIP Rescues Trafficked Baby Sold From Abuja to Aba – Agency Seeks Biological Parents
In a tragic yet hopeful development, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued a baby boy who was trafficked from Abuja to Aba in February 2025. The child, now temporarily named Godswill Kalu Awa (alias), was recovered in Abia State on May 14, 2025, thanks to coordinated efforts by security operatives and anti-trafficking officials.
This case sheds light on the disturbing reality of child trafficking in Nigeria—a crime that continues to threaten the most vulnerable members of society. In this report, NaijaRush provides an in-depth look into the rescue operation, the background of the trafficking case, and the ongoing efforts to locate the boy’s biological parents.
What Happened? How a Baby Was Trafficked From Abuja to Aba
According to a press release issued by NAPTIP on Monday, May 19, 2025, the baby boy was trafficked earlier this year from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and transported over 500 kilometers to Aba in Abia State. This criminal act was orchestrated by a suspected trafficker working in collaboration with three syndicates based in Abuja.
“The victim was rescued by NAPTIP Abia Command on May 14, 2025,” the agency announced.
The baby was allegedly sold to a buyer after being delivered to Aba by the trafficker, who has now been apprehended. Authorities say the trafficker operated alongside organized child trafficking syndicates that have become increasingly active in the country, exploiting loopholes in law enforcement and social systems.
Arrest and Interrogation: How the Suspect Was Caught
NAPTIP disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abia State played a crucial role in the arrest of the suspected female trafficker. After her arrest, she was handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being part of a broader trafficking network operating out of Abuja. She claimed that three Abuja-based trafficking syndicates—who are currently on the run—facilitated the transaction.
“The Abuja-based syndicates, who are currently on the run, received N1.8 million from the transaction, while she was paid N100,000,” NAPTIP’s statement reads.
This financial detail paints a chilling picture of how child trafficking has become a business for some criminals, with babies sold like commodities. The trafficker’s admission highlights the structured, transactional nature of human trafficking, where syndicates and middlemen profit off innocent lives.
Who Is Baby Godswill Kalu Awa?
For now, the rescued child has been renamed Godswill Kalu Awa (alias) by NAPTIP for documentation and protection purposes. His real identity remains unknown, as the agency is still working to locate his biological parents or any blood relatives.
The name “Godswill” is symbolic—a hopeful reminder that despite the traumatic circumstances, the child was found alive and safe, thanks to divine intervention and the dedication of law enforcement agencies.
“NAPTIP is calling on the biological parents or any relatives of the child to urgently contact the Agency.”
Authorities are appealing to the general public for any information that could help reunite the baby with his rightful family. This call is urgent, as verifying the child's origins is vital for legal processes, proper care, and emotional well-being.
The Growing Crisis of Child Trafficking in Nigeria
This case is not an isolated incident. Human trafficking, especially child trafficking, remains a significant problem in Nigeria. According to NAPTIP and international organizations like UNICEF, thousands of children are trafficked within Nigeria each year for various exploitative purposes, including illegal adoption, child labor, domestic servitude, and sometimes ritual purposes.
In most cases, poverty, lack of education, and weak family support systems make children easy targets. Traffickers often lure or coerce desperate families with promises of better lives for their children, only to exploit them once separated from their families.
The situation is particularly alarming in states with high migration patterns like Abuja, Lagos, Edo, and Abia. Criminal syndicates operate in both urban and rural areas, using complex networks that involve brokers, transporters, and buyers.
NAPTIP's Ongoing Role in Combating Human Trafficking
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) was established to tackle the growing menace of human trafficking in Nigeria. The agency is empowered by law to investigate, prosecute, and prevent human trafficking, as well as provide support to victims.
Over the years, NAPTIP has worked closely with law enforcement agencies like the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and civil society organizations to dismantle trafficking rings. They have also rescued hundreds of victims and rehabilitated many of them through counseling, education, and vocational training.
In this particular case, NAPTIP Abia Command deserves commendation for their swift action, alongside the DSS, in saving the life of the baby and arresting the suspect.
“We are committed to the protection of all victims of human trafficking, especially children who are most vulnerable,” NAPTIP reaffirmed.
What You Can Do: How the Public Can Help
This case highlights the critical need for public involvement in the fight against human trafficking. Here’s how individuals and communities can play a role:
1. Report Suspicious Activity
If you notice any suspicious movement of children, unlicensed orphanages, or individuals who seem to be trafficking persons, contact NAPTIP immediately. The agency operates a toll-free helpline: 0703 0000 203.
2. Spread Awareness
Use social media, community meetings, and religious platforms to educate people on the dangers of child trafficking. Many parents unknowingly hand over their children to traffickers disguised as helpers.
3. Support Victims
NGOs and community organizations can assist in reintegrating victims of trafficking by offering psychological support, food, clothing, and educational opportunities.
A Call to Action: Help Find Baby Godswill’s Family
As of now, the rescued child is in protective custody, receiving medical attention and basic care. However, reuniting him with his real family is the top priority. NAPTIP is urging any individual who has lost a baby under suspicious circumstances or knows a family whose infant went missing between January and February 2025, especially in Abuja, to come forward with proof of identification.
DNA testing and proper documentation will be used to verify any claims.
If you believe you might have helpful information, please reach out to NAPTIP via their official channels or visit any of their regional offices nationwide.
Conclusion
The rescue of baby Godswill Kalu Awa is a bittersweet reminder of the vulnerabilities children face in Nigeria due to human trafficking. While this incident had a somewhat positive outcome—the child was found alive and rescued—many other children may not be as fortunate.
NAPTIP’s bold efforts, with support from DSS and the public, demonstrate that child trafficking can be fought and defeated, but only through vigilance, cooperation, and public awareness.
At NaijaRush, we will continue to bring attention to these critical social issues that affect our communities and the future of our children. Stay informed, stay alert, and remember: if you see something, say something.
