The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has shed light on the recent operation involving its officers and Christopher Ogugua, operator of Happy Home Children Orphanage in Asaba, Delta State, emphasizing that the action was a lawful rescue mission and not an act of abduction as reported in some media outlets.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, said the clarification became necessary following misrepresentations in the media and public misconceptions about the agency’s activities in the state.
She explained that NAPTIP, as a government agency mandated under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, is duty-bound to act lawfully in investigating and rescuing victims of human trafficking and child abduction.
Background of the Case
According to Bello, the case began after a petition dated December 16, 2022, was submitted by the Protection Against Abduction And Missing Children (PATAMOC), led by Comrade Ismail Ibrahim Mohammed, demanding justice over incidents of child abduction in Kano State and across Nigeria.
Investigations revealed that one Hauwa Abubakar, arrested in Gombe State with stolen children, confessed to selling 21 children to a woman named Nkechi Odlyne, who in turn sold seven to Christopher Ogugua for ₦450,000 each.
Ogugua was subsequently arrested, confessed to the crime, and returned four children, three of whom have been identified by their biological parents. The suspects are currently being prosecuted at the High Court 1 in Gombe State.
Rescue Operation in Asaba
Bello stated that one of the rescued children, Aisha Buhari, was traced to the Happy Home Orphanage in Asaba after being identified by her mother through circulated photos. In response, NAPTIP operatives from Abuja and Kano conducted a rescue operation on June 12, 2025, accompanied by the PATAMOC Chairman.
During the operation, over 70 children were profiled, and Aisha along with seven others were identified. Bello stressed that no arrests were made at the orphanage during the mission, as only the operator’s wife was present, and removing her could have endangered the children in the facility.
Despite several attempts to reach Mr. Ogugua, he allegedly refused to cooperate, opting instead for media blackmail and mobilizing individuals to claim the children.
NAPTIP’s Position
Bello insisted the agency would not release any child until investigations and DNA verifications are complete. She emphasized that the operation was fully backed by law, dismissing claims of child abduction.
“NAPTIP does not engage in unlawful actions. Our mission is to rescue and protect victims of trafficking and reunite them with their families,” she stated.
She urged individuals claiming parentage to appear before the agency for proper verification rather than resorting to social media campaigns.
Bello also called on the Delta State Government to investigate the activities of the Happy Home Orphanage, following allegations of unethical practices.
Next Steps
NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to concluding the investigation swiftly, prosecuting all culprits, and ensuring all rescued children are reunited with their rightful families.
