NIS rescues ‘21 minors’ from suspected traffickers in Yobe

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Yobe state says its operatives have rescued 21 minors suspected of being trafficked at a checkpoint in the state.

A statement issued on Thursday by S.S. Jega, the command’s comptroller, said the children were aged between 7 and 15.

He noted that they were travelling in a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number 10B-87GM when officers stopped them at the Geidam control post in Dunari, close to the Niger Republic border.

“The vehicle was transporting 21 minors from Labule and Ibeto in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to Maine Soroa in the Niger Republic,” he said.

“NIS officers stationed near the Geidam control post in Dunari, Yobe State, intercepted the bus and rescued the children, who are between the ages of 7 and 15.”

He claimed that the minors had no idea where they were being taken and did not possess any valid travel papers or means of identification.

The comptroller noted that Abubakar Saidu, the children’s guardian was also arrested.

He said Saidu is a 28-year-old Islamic school teacher from Anaba in Magama LGA of Niger state.

“We suspect this to be a case of human trafficking due to the lack of proper documentation and authorisation,” Jega added.

“These children will be transferred to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and legal action.”