The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Yobe State has intercepted 21 minors, believed to be victims of human trafficking, at a checkpoint in the state.
The children, aged between 7 and 15, were found in a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number 10B-87GM) at the Geidam control point in Dunari, located near the border with the Niger Republic.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the children were being transported from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, to Maine Soroa in Niger Republic.
The minors were rescued by NIS officers stationed at the Geidam control post. The Yobe State Command’s Comptroller, Mr. S.S. Jega, confirmed that the children had no knowledge of their destination and were traveling without valid travel documents or identification.
“We suspect this is a case of human trafficking due to the lack of travel documents and supporting paperwork,” Jega stated.
The minors will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and legal action. The children’s guardian, 28-year-old Islamic school teacher Abubakar Saidu from Anaba, Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, was also arrested.
