The state agency that states prohibits trafficking in persons (NAPTIP) has handed over 21 boys rescued from so-called traffickers to the Niger state government.
NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu Bello handed over the children to Niger state government officials in Abuja on Tuesday.
She explained that when Nigerian Immigration Agency (NIS) officials intercepted and handed over to NAPTIP immediately, children aged between 5 and 10 years old would be trafficked in the Niger Republic through the Yobe border.
“These children, 21 little boys, were intended to be trafficked to the Nigerian Republic through the Nigerian-Niger border in Yobe State, and then they were intercepted at the border by NIS officials and handed over to Naptip immediately,” she said.
“On Sunday, the NAPTIP commander of Yobe State interviewed suspicious traffickers and upgraded the information to the headquarters. I immediately directed the victims to be transferred to Abuja. Afterwards, we conveyed this development to Niger State, They responded immediately.
“I was able to get in touch with SSG, which connected me with the relevant specialist who promised to come and pick up the child to recover.
“My message is that they were taken to an Islamic school in Nigeria, which forced me to ask Niger officials if there is no Islamic school in Niger and they confirmed there are many in the state. Transparency
She praised the officers who were alert enough to rescue the child and recommended proper consultations with the child and their parents. She also advises that children should go to school to receive Islam and Western education in order to be useful to themselves and society.
Niger State Humanitarian and Disaster Management Commissioner Ahmed Yumu, who custodians of the children, praised the vigilance and quick response of NIS and NAPTIP officials, which led to rescue.
He said the state government will strengthen the public’s enlightenment campaign so that parents can better understand the destructive effects of handing over their children to people they don’t trust.
“As government, this is something we must focus on correctly to ensure that issues about our children are carefully safe priorities and observations,” he said.
