19 trafficked children between ages 4 and 6 rescued in Calabar

19 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years have been rescued from human traffickers in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the 19 children were trafficked from Kebbi to Calabar.

This was disclosed by the Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris on Monday during a press briefing at the government house in Birnin Kebbi. Idris lauded NAPTIP and security agencies for the rescue.

He said: “As a government, we remain committed to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that our children grow up in a safe and secure environment.”

“The rescue of 19 Kebbi children, who were trafficked under the guise of education, is a testimony to our unwavering resolve to combat human trafficking and all forms of exploitation.

“I assure you that we will provide the necessary care and support to help you recover from this traumatic experience — you are not alone and we will do everything in our power to ensure your safety.”

On his part, Misbahu Kaura, NAPTIP commander in Kebbi, said an arrest made in early July led to the liberation of 15 children.

“Upon interrogating one suspect, apprehended for trafficking four children, it led us to the rescue of 15 other children, aged between four and six years, in Calabar.”

“The man had been engaging in this heinous crime of trafficking in children since 2022”, Kaura said.