The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has handed over 21 boys, rescued from suspected human traffickers, to the Niger State Government.
On Tuesday in Abuja, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, officially transferred the children, aged between 5 and 10 years, to Niger State officials. She explained that the minors were intercepted by Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officials at the Yobe border, where they were about to be trafficked to the Republic of Niger.
“These 21 boys were destined for trafficking across the Nigeria-Niger border in Yobe before NIS officials apprehended the traffickers and immediately handed them over to NAPTIP,” Bello said.
She added that after the NAPTIP commander in Yobe interviewed the suspected trafficker on Sunday, the matter was escalated, and the victims were quickly moved to Abuja. The agency then coordinated with the Niger State Government for the children’s transfer, which was swiftly arranged.
Bello also raised concerns about the traffickers’ intent to take the children to an Islamic school in Nigeria and questioned why the traffickers didn’t consider enrolling the children in schools in Niger. Niger State officials confirmed that there are many Islamic schools in the state.
She commended the officials for their vigilance in rescuing the children and emphasized the importance of counseling for the children and their families. Bello also recommended that the children be enrolled in both Islamic and western education to ensure their future success.
The Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Ahmed Yumu, who received the children, thanked the NIS and NAPTIP officials for their swift action in rescuing the minors. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to raising public awareness about the dangers of trafficking and educating parents on the importance of being cautious when entrusting their children to others.
“This issue requires our full attention as a government to ensure the safety and future of our children,” Yumu stated.
