Operatives of the Yobe State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service have rescued no fewer than 21 children, aged between seven and 15, from suspected child traffickers.
According to PUNCH Metro, it was learnt from a statement signed by the Comptroller of the Yobe State Command, SS Jega, on Thursday, that the syndicate was intercepted at the Geidam Control Post, Dunari, Yobe State while attempting to transport the children to the Niger Republic.
According to the statement, the children, who could not explain their intended destination, were allegedly being trafficked from Labule and Ibeto towns in the Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to Maine Soroa in the Niger Republic.
The statement read, “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 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.”
The statement further noted that one Abubakar Saidu, who claimed to be an Islamic teacher and the children’s guardian, was arrested alongside his accomplices.
“He added that their guardian, Abubakar Saidu, a 28-year-old who claims to be a teacher in an Islamic school, is an indigene of Anaba in the Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
“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.” it read.
The statement concluded, “The CG has put all necessary machinery in place to ensure that the borders are secured to prevent such acts and occurrences.”