The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued 21 trafficked children from Magama Local Government Area of Niger State. The children, averaging nine years in age, were intercepted in Gaidam, Yobe State, while being transported to Niger Republic.
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, received the children on behalf of the state government but did not disclose details about the trafficker. Investigations into the trafficking incident are ongoing.
In a surprising turn, one of the children’s parents, Usman Jamilu, denied that his two sons—six-year-old Umar and five-year-old Maruf—were trafficked. He claimed he willingly handed them over to a man identified as Malam Abubakar, a known figure in their community who had studied in Niger Republic.
The case underscores the persistent issue of human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly in northern regions. Every year, thousands of children are trafficked, often forced into labor, marriage, or prostitution.
The Niger State government has assured that the rescued children will receive the necessary care and support as authorities continue efforts to curb human trafficking in the region.
