Nigeria Immigration Service Rescues 21 Alleged Trafficking Victims in Yobe

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued 21 children suspected of being trafficked at the Geidam Control Post in Yobe State.

According to a statement by SS Jega, the Comptroller of the Yobe State Command, the interception took place on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

The children, aged 7 to 15, were reportedly being transported from Magama Local Government Area in Niger State to Maine Soroa in Niger Republic when authorities intervened.

"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 read.

The minors were stopped just outside the Geidam Control Post in Dunari, Yobe State, by immigration border outpost officers.

Authorities arrested 28-year-old Abubakar Saidu, a native of Anaba, Magama LGA, along with other accomplices. Saidu claimed to be an Islamic teacher and the children’s guardian.

However, the NIS noted that the children did not know their intended destination, raising concerns of possible human trafficking.

The Comptroller General of Immigration, KN Nandap, has ordered that the suspects be handed over to the appropriate government agency once preliminary investigations are complete.

"The CG has put all necessary machinery in place to ensure that the borders are secured to prevent such acts and occurrences," Jega added.

The case is expected to be further investigated by relevant authorities to determine the full extent of the trafficking operation.