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The Niger state government has stepped in to care for 21 trafficked children, averaging 9 years old, who were intercepted in Gaidam, Yobe state by the Nigeria Immigration Service. The children were in the process of being transported to Niger Republic when they were rescued.
According to State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the children, all from the Magama Local Government Area in Niger State, were rescued by authorities. Garba, who received the trafficked children on behalf of the state government, withheld information regarding the identity of the individual orchestrating the trafficking.
Read also: Two Arrested In Lagos for Alleged Trafficking Of Twin Infants
While the investigation into the trafficking case continues, Garba revealed that one of the victims’ parents, Usman Jamilu, contested the trafficking claims. Jamilu, father to Umar (6) and Maruf (5), asserted that he had voluntarily entrusted his children to a man named Abubakar, claiming the arrangement was made with his consent.
Usman Jamilu pointed to Malam Abubakar, a well-known figure in their community and a former student of Niger Republic, as the person responsible for trafficking his children. The incident sheds light on the ongoing epidemic of human trafficking in Nigeria, especially in the northern parts. According to reports, trafficking affects thousands of children each year, with many forced into exploitative situations, including labor, early marriages, and prostitution.
Pledging their full support, the Niger State government has promised to care for the children rescued from trafficking and assist them in their recovery.
