 has successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl, Bashariyya Usman,){kind=link}
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl, Bashariyya Usman, from a situation of extreme abuse, neglect, and exploitation allegedly perpetrated by the wife of a high-ranking government official in Abuja.
In a statement released on Saturday by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the agency confirmed that the victim was first brought to its attention after a disturbing video showing her in a severely distressed and malnourished state went viral online.
The girl, who had visible injuries and signs of trauma, was identified as the only daughter of Malam Usman Aliyu, an internally displaced person (IDP) from Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State. Her family had been displaced by persistent bandit attacks and was taking refuge in an IDP camp in Sokoto State.
According to the agency, Bashariyya was recruited in January 2025 by a woman from Sokoto, now residing in Abuja, who had deceptively promised to provide her with domestic work at a monthly wage of ₦10,000, along with the prospect of an education. However, these promises turned out to be false.
Upon arriving in Abuja, Bashariyya’s situation deteriorated rapidly. Instead of being offered the opportunity she was promised, she was reportedly subjected to relentless physical abuse, denied food, and exposed to psychological torment.
At one point, a man was brought in to carry out so-called “spiritual rituals” on her, which involved spraying unknown substances on her body, leaving her with burns and further physical injuries. Her condition worsened until she was eventually returned to Sokoto in critical health.
Concerned members of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) reported the case to NAPTIP. However, initial rescue efforts were obstructed by unidentified individuals believed to be acting under the influence of the suspect.
The situation necessitated the intervention of NAPTIP’s Director General, Mrs. Binta Adamu Bello, who authorized a joint operation between the agency’s headquarters in Abuja and its Sokoto Command. This coordinated action resulted in Bashariyya’s successful rescue and immediate airlift to the Federal Capital Territory for comprehensive medical and psychological treatment.
Speaking after receiving the victim in Abuja, the Director General, Mrs. Bello, described the case as one of the most harrowing incidents of child abuse she had encountered. “This girl is clearly a survivor of severe trauma,” she said. “She exhibits fresh and old scars, bruises, burn marks, and is visibly malnourished and dehydrated. She is emotionally fragile and suffering from both physical and psychological trauma as a result of prolonged neglect and abuse.”
Bello stressed that the case represents a tragic example of how vulnerable, displaced children are being exploited under false pretenses. “This is a child who narrowly escaped violence from armed bandits in her home state. Instead of receiving compassion and protection, she was further victimized by someone in a position of privilege who saw an opportunity to exploit her hardship. It is a glaring case of double jeopardy,” she lamented.
NAPTIP, according to the Director General, will pursue the prosecution of the alleged perpetrator to ensure that justice is fully served. “This girl was trafficked from Sokoto to Abuja, where she was abused and mistreated. Our agency will leave no stone unturned in prosecuting this case.
“In addition, we are committed to supporting Bashariyya through her recovery journey by providing all necessary medical care, trauma counseling, and rehabilitation services,” she assured.
Bello called for sustained vigilance across the country in identifying and reporting cases of child trafficking and abuse. She also condemned the practice of fabricating baseless accusations to justify violence against vulnerable individuals. “Bashariyya was falsely accused to rationalize her inhumane treatment. This must stop. NAPTIP will continue to fight against all forms of exploitation, especially when targeted at those already displaced and vulnerable.”
In recognition of the collaboration that led to the successful rescue, Bello commended the efforts of NACTAL and its leadership. “We deeply appreciate the role played by NACTAL, under the leadership of its National President, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, and we encourage other civil society organizations and stakeholders to follow their example,” she stated.
Also speaking on the development, NACTAL President, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, praised NAPTIP for its prompt and professional response. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with the agency to ensure the suspect is held accountable and that justice is achieved for the young victim.
The heart-wrenching ordeal of Bashariyya Usman is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by displaced children in Nigeria and the urgent need for collaborative action in protecting their rights and welfare.