Experts warn this alarming trend is increasingly linked to human trafficking, with organised criminal networks exploiting vulnerable children for various illicit activities, including forced labour and sexual exploitation.  

Bryon Mann, from the organisation Brave To Love, highlighted the severity of the issue in an interview on Monday with Channel Africa’s Peter Ndoro.

Mann emphasised that syndicates often target children for profit, with some trafficked across borders, making detection and rescue even more challenging.  

Mann noted that children are being abducted and forced into labour trafficking, narcotics distribution, and even the illegal mining sector.

“These syndicates are targeting the children of this country for their own gains,” he said. Social media platforms and online gaming are increasingly being used by predators to groom children, making parents’ vigilance critical.  

The country’s porous borders exacerbate the problem, enabling traffickers to move children with relative ease. Fake documentation is another major issue, allowing traffickers to create false identities and transport victims internationally.  

The rise in missing children is compounded by socioeconomic factors such as poverty and unemployment. These conditions make families and communities more vulnerable to criminal networks. Mann warned that parents’ unintentional actions, such as posting their children’s locations on social media, can make them targets for predators.  
 
While law enforcement agencies are doing their best, resource constraints hinder their ability to combat the growing threat effectively. Mann acknowledged the efforts of specialised units but said that “manpower and resources are insufficient to address the problem fully.”  

Organisations like Brave To Love are stepping in to support law enforcement by providing training to specialised units. Mann revealed plans to train 300 additional officers this year to identify and address human trafficking cases.  

To combat the crisis, Mann stressed the importance of community involvement and parental education. Parents need to teach their children about potential dangers, particularly on social media and gaming platforms. Communities, NGOs, and law enforcement must collaborate to raise awareness and protect vulnerable children.  

Mann also urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities and avoid sharing sensitive information that could expose them to predators. “It’s the primary responsibility of parents to safeguard their children,” he said.  

--ChannelAfrica--