Nigeria Immigration rescues 21 minors from suspected human trafficking in Yobe, intercepting them at a border checkpoint with Niger Republic
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Yobe State has intercepted 21 minors, suspected victims of human trafficking, at a checkpoint near the Nigeria-Niger border.
Also read: 13 trafficked Nigerian girls repatriated from Ghana: NiDCOM’s ongoing rescue efforts
The children, aged between 7 and 15, were found in a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number 10B-87GM) at the Geidam control point in Dunari.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the minors were being transported from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, to Maine Soroa in the Niger Republic.
The Yobe State Command’s Comptroller, Mr S.S. Jega, confirmed that the children had no knowledge of their destination and lacked valid travel documents or identification.
“We suspect possible human trafficking due to the absence of travel documents and supportive papers,” Jega stated.
He added that the minors would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and legal action.
Authorities also arrested their guardian, Abubakar Saidu, a 28-year-old Islamic school teacher from Anaba, Magama Local Government Area, Niger State.
His role in the transportation of the children is under investigation.
Also read: Nigerian trafficker remanded in Ghana for prostituting over 3,000 children
This interception highlights the ongoing efforts of Nigerian security agencies to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
