Twenty-one minors, suspected to be victims of human trafficking have been intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Yobe State.
The victims were intercepted at a checkpoint near the border with Niger Republic.
The children, aged between seven and 15, were discovered in a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number 10B-87GM) at the Geidam control point in Dunari.
They were reportedly being transported from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to Maine Soroa, a town in Niger Republic.
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According to the Yobe State immigration Comptroller, Mr. S.S. Jega, the minors had no knowledge of their destination and lacked valid travel documents or identification, raising suspicions of human trafficking.
“We suspect possible human trafficking due to the absence of travel documents and supportive papers. The minors will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action,” Jega stated.
The alleged guardian of the children, Abubakar Saidu, a 28-year-old Islamic school teacher from Anaba in Magama Local Government Area, was also apprehended. Authorities say he will be investigated and, if necessary, prosecuted.
The interception highlights ongoing efforts by the immigration service to combat human trafficking, particularly along Nigeria’s porous border regions.
