The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has arrested a female truck driver, Hasana Jacob, and six others for allegedly stealing and trafficking children across different states in Nigeria.
In a press statement signed by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, on Tuesday, the agency said Jacob, a 33-year-old truck driver with a popular cement company in Lokoja, Kogi State, was apprehended alongside six accomplices while attempting to sell a three-year-old girl stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State.
The suspects—Aisha Suleiman, Murtala Tanimu, Shamsu Tanimu, Adamu Jacob, Abubakar Ahmed, and Ali Muhammed—were arrested in Abuja by DSS operatives. A cement truck branded with the company’s name was also seized as part of the operation.
According to NAPTIP, Jacob led a trafficking syndicate that specialized in stealing children, particularly at truck terminals, and selling them for N600,000 each. Investigations revealed that the syndicate had an extensive network, with some members responsible for luring victims while others arranged buyers before the children arrived at designated locations.
Reacting to the arrest, NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, described the crime as “an unimaginable act of wickedness,” emphasizing the pain inflicted on affected families.
“I am deeply saddened by this case. It is horrifying that a criminal network is using a branded company truck to steal innocent children and sell them for profit. These criminals create lifelong sorrow for families while enriching themselves. It is even more painful that the mastermind is a woman, someone who should understand the pain of motherhood,” Bello said.
She expressed gratitude to the DSS for its collaboration, calling for stronger partnerships among law enforcement agencies to combat child trafficking in Nigeria.
The impounded 22-tyre cement truck, used in transporting the trafficked child, remains in NAPTIP’s custody as investigations continue.
