21 Minors From Rescued From Traffickers En Route Niger Republic

The Nigeria Immigration Service in Yobe State has intercepted 21 minors, suspected victims of human trafficking, at a checkpoint in the state.

The children, aged 7 to 15, were discovered in a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number 10B-87GM) at the Geidam control point in Dunari, near the border with Niger Republic.

In a statement on Thursday, the Command said, “The bus was carrying 21 minors from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, to Maine Soroa in the Niger Republic.”

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The minors, aged between 7 and 15, were rescued by NIS border outpost officers near the Geidam control post in Dunari, Yobe State.

According to the Comptroller of the Yobe State Command, Mr. S.S. Jega, the minors are suspected victims of human trafficking and had no knowledge of their destination. They also lacked valid travel documents and identification.

Jega stated, “We suspect possible human trafficking due to the absence of travel documents and supportive papers.

“The minors will be handed over to the proper authorities for investigation and prosecution. Their guardian, Abubakar Saidu, a 28-year-old Islamic school teacher from Anaba, Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, was also apprehended.”