Child Protection Network Nigeria, CRS

Child Protection Network Nigeria, CRS This is the official page of Child Protection Network Nigeria, Cross River State chapter.

Statement by the National Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN) Nigeria, on the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking...
30/07/2026

Statement by the National Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN) Nigeria, on the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Today, as we commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I pay glowing tribute to every member of the Child Protection Network (CPN) Nigeria for your unimaginable courage, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria's children from trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and all forms of violence.

Child trafficking remains one of the gravest violations of children's rights. It robs children of their freedom, dignity, education, safety, and future. As child protection actors, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that no child is bought, sold, exploited, or deprived of the opportunity to thrive.

I am particularly proud that since assuming office as National Coordinator in September 2022, CPN Nigeria, with the bold cooperation of CPN members and invaluable support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has successfully conducted over 350 family tracing and reunification exercises for trafficked and vulnerable children across different states of the federation. Behind every successful tracing exercise is a child restored to safety, a family reunited, and hope rekindled. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and compassion of our members nationwide.

While we celebrate these milestones, we recognize that much more remains to be done. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to strengthening prevention efforts, supporting survivors, working closely with government and development partners, empowering communities, and ensuring that perpetrators of child trafficking are brought to justice.

On this important day, I call on every Nigerian to remain vigilant. Report suspected cases of child trafficking to CPN Nigeria Helplines (09131619354, 07054825339) or directly to NAPTIP at 0800CALLNAPTIP [08002255627874], 627 or 07030000203; protect vulnerable children, and join hands with us in building a nation where every child can live free from exploitation and fear.

Together, we can end child trafficking.

Together, we can protect every child. Together, we can build a safer Nigeria for generations to come.

E-signed:
Olakunle Sanni
National Coordinator
*Child Protection Network (CPN) Nigeria*

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECalabar, Cross River State – 24th March, 2026CHILD PROTECTION NETWORK NIGERIA, CROSS R...
24/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calabar, Cross River State – 24th March, 2026

CHILD PROTECTION NETWORK NIGERIA, CROSS RIVER STATE CHAPTER STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE BARBARIC ARREST, TORTURE AND FLOGGING OF CHILDREN BY CALABAR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (CUDA) OFFICIALS AND THE ASSAULT ON STAFF OF STREET PRIESTS CSO

The Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPN), Cross River State Chapter, is outraged and unequivocally condemns the inhumane and unlawful actions of officials of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) who, on or about 19th March 2026, arrested several children, transported them to the Zoo Garden in Calabar, tied them up and subjected them to severe flogging with machetes.

This act of physical violence and brutality against children is a gross violation of the Cross River State Child Rights Law, 2023, which explicitly prohibits all forms of physical and mental violence against children and mandates the protection of every child from abuse, torture and degrading treatment. The law further requires that children in conflict with the law or in need of care be handled with dignity, care and in accordance with due process — not through jungle justice and machete-wielding punishment.

Equally condemnable is the physical assault meted out on staff of Street Priests, a reputable Child-Focused Civil Society Organisation (CSO) based in Calabar, who courageously intervened to protect the children. Reports indicate that these humanitarian workers were slapped, kicked and manhandled by the same Government officials simply for carrying out their legitimate duty of child protection. This attack on frontline child rights defenders is unacceptable and constitutes a direct threat to the safety of all civil society actors working to uphold the rights of vulnerable children in the state.

No government agency or official has the right to take the law into their own hands or inflict cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment on children. Such actions not only violate the Child Rights Law but also undermine the fundamental principles of justice, child protection and good governance.

We therefore call on:

1. His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, to immediately direct the relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the perpetrators are identified, sanctioned and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

2. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs, to treat this matter as a priority child protection emergency and activate all necessary mechanisms to safeguard the affected children and prevent future occurrences.

3. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development, to provide immediate psychosocial support, medical care and rehabilitation for the traumatised children and to strengthen inter-agency collaboration on child protection.

4. All relevant stakeholders — including the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission and other child rights organisations — to rise to the occasion and ensure that this dastardly act does not go unpunished.

The CPN remains committed to the full implementation of the Cross River State Child Rights Law, 2023, and will continue to monitor this case closely.

We demand justice for these children. We demand accountability from public officials. We demand an end to the culture of impunity and violence against the most vulnerable members of our society.

Kebe Ikpi
State Coordinator
Child Protection Network Nigeria,
Cross River State Chapter

Today is Children's Carnival in line with the 2025 Calabar Christmas Festival Agenda. We are calling on all participants...
27/12/2025

Today is Children's Carnival in line with the 2025 Calabar Christmas Festival Agenda.

We are calling on all participants and stakeholders to keep children safe. They have the right to be protected and to feel safe always.

Please report any case of Child abuse immediately.

Call or text the numbers on the flier.

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This season calls for reflection, rededication to the values of love, hope and joy. Remember to put an eye on the childr...
25/12/2025

This season calls for reflection, rededication to the values of love, hope and joy.

Remember to put an eye on the children around you. We owe them a safe environment during this period and always.

Merry Christmas to you.

Kebe Ikpi
State Coordinator,
Child Protection Network (CPN)

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Ministry Of Women Affairs Premises
Calabar

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