The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued 21 children suspected to be victims of human trafficking in Yobe State.
The Comptroller of the Yobe State Command, SS Jega, in a statement on Thursday, January 30, 2025 said that the syndicate was intercepted at the Geidam Control Post.
The minors, aged 7 and 15 years, were allegedly being trafficked from Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to Maine Soroa in the Niger Republic.
“The Yobe State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service has intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number 10B-87GM, Gombe State, carrying 21 minors from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to Maine Soroa in the Niger Republic,” the statement read.
“The minors, aged between seven and 15 years, were intercepted by immigration border outpost officers, a short distance from the Geidam Control Post, Dunari, Yobe State.
“According to the Comptroller of the Yobe State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr S. S. Jega, the intercepted minors, who are suspected to be victims of human trafficking, did not know their intended destination.”
One Abubakar Saidu, 28, an indigene of Anaba in the Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, who claimed to be an Islamic teacher and the children’s guardian, was arrested alongside his accomplices.
“Jega also stated that the Comptroller General of Immigration, KN Nandap, has directed that the arrested suspects be handed over to the appropriate government agency for further action as soon as the NIS concludes its preliminary investigations.”
“The CG has put all necessary machinery in place to ensure that the borders are secured to prevent such acts and occurrences.”