The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has clarified its June operation in Asaba, Delta State, where eight children were rescued from an orphanage, dismissing social media claims of abduction.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu Bello described the mission as a lawful effort to combat child trafficking, tied to investigations into missing children from Kano State.

Addressing accusations from the orphanage’s proprietor, Christopher Ogugua Nwoye, who has avoided agency summons, Binta emphasized NAPTIP’s mandate under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 to investigate and rescue victims.

She reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to concluding the investigation, prosecuting offenders, and reuniting the children with their families.

NAPTIP thanked the media for their support and reiterated its dedication to protecting vulnerable persons through lawful means, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on unethical practices.