Protecting the Future: SWS Calls for National Strategy Against Child Trafficking and Abduction By Raymond Enoch
The Standup for Women Society (SWS) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of child trafficking and kidnapping across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s future and demands urgent national intervention.
The organization said reports of child abductions and trafficking incidents from states including Oyo, Kebbi, and Borno have heightened fears among parents, child rights advocates, and security stakeholders, underscoring the need for stronger protection measures for children.
In a statement issued through its Director of Media and Communications, SWS described the situation as a growing national crisis that requires immediate and coordinated action from government institutions, security agencies, communities, and other stakeholders.
According to the group, the rising number of child-related crimes is not merely a collection of isolated incidents but evidence of organized criminal networks targeting vulnerable families and communities. It noted that every child subjected to trafficking, kidnapping, exploitation, or violence reflects a collective failure to safeguard the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
SWS expressed sympathy to families whose children have fallen victim to traffickers and kidnappers while commending survivors, community leaders, and stakeholders working to combat the menace.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, the International President of SWS, Deborah A. Ijadele-Adetona, acknowledged the efforts of security agencies and some state governments in rescuing victims and arresting suspects. However, she stressed that reactive measures alone would not be sufficient to address the growing challenge.
She called for the development of a comprehensive national strategy focused on dismantling trafficking syndicates, preventing child abductions, and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
As part of its recommendations, SWS urged the Federal Government to establish a Presidential Task Force on Child Trafficking and Kidnapping to coordinate intelligence gathering, rescue operations, victim support services, and prosecution efforts across the country.
The organization also advocated the swift prosecution and public disclosure of convicted traffickers and kidnappers, arguing that such measures would serve as a strong deterrent to criminal elements involved in the exploitation of children.
In addition, SWS called for the establishment of functional shelters, rehabilitation centres, and trauma recovery facilities in identified hotspots, particularly in Oyo, Kebbi, and Borno states, to support rescued children and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The group further urged increased funding and operational support for key institutions involved in combating human trafficking and child protection, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, immigration authorities, and community-based security structures.
To strengthen preventive measures, SWS proposed the creation of Child Protection Desks in schools, markets, healthcare facilities, motor parks, and border communities. It said trained personnel at such desks would help identify, report, and respond to child protection concerns before they escalate into tragic incidents.
The organization also emphasized the importance of public awareness and community participation in tackling the problem. It called for sustained sensitization campaigns in local languages to educate parents, guardians, and community members on the tactics employed by traffickers and kidnappers while encouraging prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
SWS urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, state governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens to treat child trafficking and kidnapping as matters of national security.
Delivering a strong message to perpetrators, the organization stated that those who profit from the suffering of children are engaged in acts that are evil, inhuman, and unacceptable. It reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing women, communities, and stakeholders nationwide to demand accountability and stronger protection for children.
The group linked its advocacy to this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” noting that genuine inclusion cannot be achieved while children continue to face trafficking, kidnapping, exploitation, and abuse.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security and social challenges, SWS maintained that protecting children must remain a national priority. The organization stressed that safeguarding the nation’s future begins with ensuring that every child can live, learn, and grow in an environment free from fear, violence, and exploitation.
It also reiterated its readiness to collaborate with government agencies, development partners, civil society groups, and local communities in building a safer Nigeria where no child is left behind, forgotten, abused, or trafficked.
