The Niger State government has taken custody of 21 trafficked children, with an average age of 9, who were intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Gaidam, Yobe State, as they were being transported to Niger Republic.
The children, all from Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, were rescued by the authorities, with the state’s Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, receiving them on behalf of the state government. Garba confirmed that an investigation into the trafficking incident is ongoing but refrained from disclosing the identity of the person leading the children.
In a twist, one of the parents, Usman Jamilu, denied that his children, Umar Jamilu (6) and Maruf Jamilu (5), had been trafficked. He claimed he had voluntarily handed them over to Malam Abubakar, a well-known individual in their community who had studied in Niger Republic.
This rescue shines a spotlight on the persistent issue of human trafficking in Nigeria, especially in northern regions, where thousands of children are trafficked annually for forced labor, marriage, and prostitution.
The Niger State government has pledged to provide care and support for the rescued children, assuring their well-being while the investigation continues.
