In a bold move, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Yobe State intercepted 21 minors, aged 7 to 15, who are suspected victims of human trafficking. The children were discovered in a Toyota Hiace bus at the Geidam control point in Dunari, near the border with Niger Republic.
According to the Comptroller of the Yobe State Command, Mr. S.S. Jega, 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 children had no knowledge of their destination and lacked valid travel documents and identification.
The NIS suspects human trafficking due to the absence of travel documents and supportive papers. The minors will be handed over to the proper authorities for investigation and prosecution. Their guardian, Abubakar Saidu, a 28-year-old Islamic school teacher, was also apprehended.
This rescue operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian government to combat human trafficking. According to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, Nigeria has increased its efforts to identify and protect victims, with 1,634 victims identified and assisted in 2022 ¹.
Nigeria Immigration Service Rescues 21 Minors from Suspected Human Trafficking.
