Immigration rescues 21 children from traffickers, suspects to be handed over to appropriate government agency for further action
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
About 21 children, aged between seven and 15 years, have been rescued from suspected traffickers in Yobe by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The syndicate was intercepted at Geidam Control Post, Dunari in Yobe while attempting to transport the children across the border Niger Republic, according to a statement issued by NIS Yobe Command.
The children, who could not explain their intended destination, were allegedly being trafficked from Labule and Ibeto towns, Magama Council in Niger State to Maine Soroa in Niger Republic.
“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 statement said.
“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.
“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.
“The CG has put all necessary machinery in place to ensure that the borders are secured to prevent such acts and occurrences.”
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