The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully rescued eight trafficked children in Taraba State. Details of the Rescue Operation The rescued children, who hail from Minda Village in Lau Local Government Area, were lured and transported to southeastern states, including Aba, Onitsha, and Imo, under false claims that they were orphans in need of assistance. At a press briefing on Friday, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, disclosed that authorities intercepted the traffickers in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, effectively halting their illicit operation. Reuniting the Children with Their Families Following a thorough investigation, the rescued children were safely reunited with their biological parents in March 2025. Shockingly, reports confirmed that these children had been sold without their families’ consent or knowledge. Mrs. Sinjen emphasized that the swift intervention of NAPTIP and the Ministry of Women Affairs played a crucial role in ensuring the children’s safe return. Legal Action Against the Suspects Authorities have confirmed the arrest of the primary suspect, Mrs. Patience, along with several accomplices. The suspects are currently in custody as legal proceedings continue. Efforts are still ongoing to locate and rescue other trafficked children who may still be in captivity. Government’s Response and Commitment Condemning the act of child trafficking, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children across Taraba State. Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to child trafficking. They emphasized that child protection is a collective responsibility that requires public cooperation. The Taraba State Government also reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for victims, rehabilitating affected children, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to effectively combat human trafficking. Related Articles: READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.Join our Telegram Chanel.
NAPTIP arrests Christy Gold, a notorious human trafficker, ending a five-year manhunt. Discover how inter-agency collaboration made this breakthrough possible in the fight against human trafficking. Uadiale Christiana Jacob, widely known as “Christy Gold,” a convicted socialite and the mastermind behind a notorious human trafficking network spanning the Middle East and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, has been apprehended. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) confirmed her arrest after a five-year pursuit. Christy Gold was intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on December 31, 2024, upon her arrival from Dubai for the New Year celebrations. This significant breakthrough was achieved through inter-agency collaboration, a crucial strategy in combating human trafficking in Nigeria and globally. A Milestone in Collaboration The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, commended the NIS officers for their critical role in capturing the fugitive. She highlighted the importance of cooperation between agencies in the fight against human trafficking. “We extend our gratitude to the NIS for this successful arrest. This accomplishment underscores the outcome of our recent advocacy visit to the Comptroller General of NIS, resulting in enhanced synergy and improved collaboration,” Bello stated. She further assured that Jacob would face sentencing to send a strong message to other members of the criminal syndicate still at large. “They can hide for a while, but not forever. With activated global intelligence networks and partnerships, we are closing in on all elements involved in trafficking and exploitation.” The Criminal Network Jacob, a senior figure in a human trafficking syndicate, orchestrated the recruitment, trafficking, and sexual exploitation of underage Nigerian girls in Dubai. Other members of the network, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and a “Prophet John” based in Lagos, remain at large. The syndicate’s activities first came under scrutiny on March 18, 2020, when the Nigeria Immigration Service at Ikeja Airport shared intelligence with NAPTIP’s Joint Border Task Force. This led to Jacob’s arrest in Benin City on October 13, 2020, for trafficking minors to Dubai for forced prostitution. Charged at the Federal High Court in Asaba on November 25, 2020, Jacob was granted bail but later absconded to Dubai, violating her bail terms. A bench warrant for her arrest was issued on November 3, 2021. Persistent Pursuit of Justice Despite Jacob’s evasion, NAPTIP relentlessly pursued her through collaborations with the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL Nigeria, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and UAE Police. This persistence led to her conviction in absentia on March 21, 2024, by Justice F.A. Olubanjo at the Federal High Court, Asaba. Her sentencing was deferred pending her re-arrest. Her arrest on December 31, 2024, marks a turning point in the fight against human trafficking. Acting on a 2023 watchlist request from NAPTIP, the NIS officers ensured Jacob’s return to face justice. Future Efforts Against Trafficking NAPTIP remains committed to dismantling trafficking networks and ensuring justice for victims. Bello reiterated that 2025 will see intensified efforts to apprehend traffickers and protect Nigerians from exploitation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
