“Human Trafficking Foiled: 21 Minors Rescued in Yobe State, Guardian Arrested”
In a major interception, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Yobe State has rescued 21 minors who are suspected to be victims of human trafficking. The children, aged between 7 and 15, were discovered at the Geidam control point in Dunari, located near the border with the Niger Republic, inside a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number 10B-87GM).
The minors were being transported from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, with the intention of reaching Maine Soroa in the Niger Republic. According to the statement released by the NIS, the children were unaware of their destination and had no valid travel documents or identification.
Mr. S.S. Jega, the Comptroller of the Yobe State Command, confirmed the suspicion of human trafficking, noting that the lack of travel documents and supporting papers raised red flags. He stated, “We suspect possible human trafficking due to the absence of travel documents and supportive papers.”
The minors were promptly rescued by officers from the NIS border outpost near the Geidam checkpoint. The authorities also arrested the children’s guardian, 28-year-old Abubakar Saidu, an Islamic school teacher from Anaba in the Magama Local Government Area of Niger State. Saidu has been taken into custody, and the children will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
This rescue highlights the ongoing battle against human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly at border areas, and the vigilance of immigration officers in preventing such crimes.
