By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The leadership of the Standup for Women Society (SWS) has expressed deep concern and outrage over the alarming increase in cases of child trafficking and kidnapping across Nigeria, particularly the recent disturbing incidents reported in Oyo, Kebbi, Borno (Maiduguri), and several other states.
This was contained in a statement signed by the President of the International Standup for Women Society, Barr. Mrs. Deborah A. Ijadele-Adetona, in Jos.
She called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, state governors, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, and all Nigerians to treat child trafficking and kidnapping as matters of national security and urgent public concern.
The organisation expressed sadness that these heinous crimes are not isolated incidents but represent a growing national crisis that threatens the safety, dignity, rights, and future of Nigerian children.
According to SWS, every child who is abducted, trafficked, exploited, or subjected to violence serves as a painful reminder of society’s collective responsibility to protect its most vulnerable members.
The organisation strongly condemned the acts of cruelty and criminality against innocent children and sympathised with families whose children have been kidnapped, trafficked, traumatised, or lost to criminal networks.
“We also commend the courage of survivors, parents, community leaders, and stakeholders who continue to fight tirelessly against these atrocities,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and some state governments in rescuing victims and apprehending suspects, SWS stressed that reactive measures alone are no longer sufficient.
According to the statement, Nigeria requires a coordinated, proactive, and adequately funded national strategy to dismantle trafficking syndicates and eradicate child kidnapping across the country.
The organisation called for the immediate establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Child Trafficking and Kidnapping to coordinate intelligence gathering, rescue operations, victim support services, and prosecution efforts across all states.
SWS also advocated for the swift prosecution and public disclosure of convicted traffickers and kidnappers to serve as a deterrent and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Other recommendations included the establishment of functional state-owned shelters, rehabilitation centres, and trauma recovery facilities in Oyo, Kebbi, Borno, and other identified hotspots to support rescued children and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The group further called for increased funding and operational support for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, immigration authorities, and community-based security structures to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing, tracking, and dismantling trafficking and kidnapping networks.
Additionally, SWS urged the creation of Child Protection Desks in schools, markets, motor parks, healthcare facilities, and border communities, staffed by trained personnel capable of identifying, reporting, and responding to child protection concerns.
The organisation also called for sustained public awareness campaigns in local languages to educate parents, guardians, and communities on the tactics used by traffickers and kidnappers while promoting vigilance and early reporting.
SWS warned those who profit from the suffering of children that their actions are evil, inhuman, and unacceptable.
“The women of this nation are standing up. We will continue to mobilise, advocate, collaborate, and demand accountability until every Nigerian child can live in safety, dignity, and freedom,” the statement added.
The organisation further urged citizens to remain vigilant.
“If you see something, say something. Silence enables criminality. Protecting our children is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a collective duty that requires the participation of every citizen,” she stressed.
Referencing this year’s Children’s Day 2026 theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” SWS noted that meaningful inclusion cannot be achieved while children continue to face trafficking, kidnapping, exploitation, and insecurity.
“There can be no secure future when the present remains unsafe,” the statement concluded.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, and communities to ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind, exploited, abused, trafficked, or forgotten.
