The agency’s Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, October 16, 2026, by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye.
Adamu-Bello said information reaching NAPTIP’s headquarters and state commands suggested that more cases involving the alleged participation of parents and guardians in child sexual exploitation were being reported.
She described the development as particularly disturbing because parents and guardians are expected to protect children from abuse rather than expose them to harm.
NAPTIP arrests woman over alleged exploitation of daughter
The warning followed the arrest of a middle-aged woman in Abuja over allegations that she made her teenage daughter available for sexual exploitation in return for money.
According to NAPTIP, the woman was apprehended by its operatives as part of ongoing efforts to investigate suspected child abuse and trafficking offences.
The agency withheld the suspect’s identity and did not disclose the teenager’s personal details.
Further information about the circumstances of the arrest, the alleged payments and the status of any prosecution was not provided.
Adamu-Bello condemned the alleged conduct, describing it as a serious violation of the child’s rights and a betrayal of parental responsibility.
She maintained that individuals entrusted with protecting children must not become participants in activities that expose them to sexual violence.
Agency warns parents against exploiting children for financial gain
The NAPTIP director-general expressed concern that some parents and guardians were allegedly prioritising financial benefits over the safety and well-being of children under their care.
She explained that sexual exploitation could have serious consequences for children’s physical health, emotional stability, education and long-term development.
According to her, the agency had received reports suggesting that some caregivers were knowingly facilitating abuse rather than protecting affected children.
Adamu-Bello stressed that financial difficulties or other personal circumstances could not justify exposing children to sexual exploitation.
She warned that anyone found culpable would face legal consequences under Nigeria’s existing child protection and anti-trafficking laws.
NAPTIP strengthens nationwide surveillance
The director-general disclosed that NAPTIP had earlier directed its commands across Nigeria to intensify monitoring of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation.
She said the directive was intended to improve early detection, accelerate investigations and ensure prompt action when credible complaints are received.
According to Adamu-Bello, the agency has strengthened its enforcement arrangements to identify suspected offenders and pursue prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.
She explained that effective action would require coordination among investigators, prosecutors, child protection professionals and other relevant institutions.
The agency has also increased cooperation with law enforcement bodies and partners involved in preventing sexual violence and supporting vulnerable children.
NAPTIP promises prosecution of offenders
Adamu-Bello said the agency would continue pursuing cases involving the alleged sexual exploitation of minors, including situations where parents or guardians are suspected of facilitating the offences.
She maintained that NAPTIP would not overlook the involvement of family members or other adults responsible for children’s care.
The director-general emphasised that children are entitled to protection regardless of their family background or financial circumstances.
She also called for stronger public cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure that suspected abuse is reported before further harm occurs.
NAPTIP’s position follows earlier warnings that sexual violence cases should be investigated through established legal procedures rather than resolved through informal arrangements that could deny survivors justice.
Parents warned to screen domestic workers and service providers
Beyond the alleged involvement of parents, the director-general raised concerns about the safety of children left in the care of domestic employees and other service providers.
She advised parents and guardians to conduct appropriate background checks before engaging individuals who may have regular access to their children.
Adamu-Bello specifically identified security guards, drivers, gardeners, gatekeepers and people responsible for transporting children to and from school.
She said parents should take reasonable steps to establish the identities, backgrounds and suitability of people entrusted with childcare responsibilities.
The warning followed reports received by the agency about suspected abuse involving individuals who had access to children through domestic or service-related arrangements.
Child sexual abuse remains a major protection concern
The latest warning comes amid continuing efforts to combat child sexual violence and exploitation across Nigeria.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has previously identified violence against children as a serious national concern, with many incidents occurring in environments where children would ordinarily expect to be safe.
Earlier research also found that many affected children do not report abuse or receive appropriate assistance.
The findings underline the need for accessible reporting channels, effective investigations and services that protect children without exposing them to further trauma.
NAPTIP urges vigilance and cooperation
Adamu-Bello called on parents, guardians and members of the public to remain vigilant and report credible suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
She stressed that protecting children requires cooperation among families, schools, communities, law enforcement agencies and child welfare organisations.
NAPTIP maintained that its monitoring and enforcement efforts would continue nationwide, with particular attention to cases involving people entrusted with children’s care.
The agency also reiterated its commitment to holding offenders accountable while protecting the rights and welfare of affected children.
