In a major crackdown against human trafficking, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted 21 minors at the Geidam border checkpoint in Yobe State, preventing them from being transported to neighbouring Niger Republic for exploitation.
The children, whose ages range from seven to 15, were being transported without any documentation, raising suspicion among border officials. They were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and intervention.
According to the Yobe State Comptroller of NIS, Mr. Sani Sule-Jega, the minors were intercepted on Thursday, and the incident serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing fight against child trafficking at Nigeria’s borders. “This interception is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our officers at border posts,” Sule-Jega said during the handover of the children to NAPTIP.
“These minors, aged between seven and 15, were intercepted at the Geidam border out-post,” Sule-Jega explained. “They were traveling without any documentation, which immediately raised our suspicions. Our core mandate is border security and migration management, and we took swift action to prevent their illegal movement across the border.”
The children, who are from Magama Local Government Area in Niger State, were being transported by a suspect identified as Abubakar Sadiq. The man, who was apprehended at the scene, claimed that he was merely fulfilling a request from the children’s parents to find affordable education for them in the Republic of Niger.
“This is a case of child trafficking disguised as a search for education,” said a spokesperson for NAPTIP, who requested to remain anonymous. “We will ensure that proper investigations are carried out, and if this man is found guilty, he will face the full force of the law.”
The intercepted minors were visibly distressed and uncertain about their circumstances, many of them not fully aware of the dangers they had narrowly escaped. One of the children, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were promised a better life and educational opportunities abroad. “We were told we would go to school in Niger, but we didn’t know anything else,” the child explained in a trembling voice.
The driver, Abubakar Sadiq, was transported along with the minors to NAPTIP’s custody for further questioning. While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities are already taking steps to identify the full extent of the trafficking network.
Yobe State, located along the Nigeria-Niger border, has long been a hotspot for human trafficking activities, with individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable children by promising a brighter future outside Nigeria. The border post at Geidam, a major crossing point between the two countries, is frequently used by traffickers attempting to move people across borders without the proper documentation.
NAPTIP has been ramping up efforts to clamp down on such illegal activities in recent years, but cross-border trafficking remains a significant challenge. The organization has worked alongside the NIS, the Nigerian police, and international agencies to combat the growing issue, but experts believe that much more needs to be done to protect Nigeria’s children from falling victim to such exploitation.
In recent months, NAPTIP has rescued hundreds of minors who were trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. The agency has also intensified awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on the dangers of trafficking and the importance of securing documentation for children traveling across borders.
Human trafficking remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) ranking the country as one of the top sources of trafficked victims in West Africa. The country’s porous borders, limited surveillance, and lack of awareness among rural communities have made it an ideal target for human traffickers.
The NIS’s interception of the 21 minors highlights the ongoing need for border security reforms, greater cooperation between neighboring nations, and stronger protective measures for children. The successful operation is also a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance at the country’s borders, particularly as Nigeria seeks to combat organized crime and human trafficking networks.
Mr. Sule-Jega emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between agencies in the fight against trafficking. “This operation was successful because of the dedication of our officers and our strong partnership with NAPTIP,” he noted. “We will continue to strengthen our efforts to protect vulnerable children and prevent illegal migration.”
NAPTIP, for its part, expressed gratitude to the NIS for their quick action in preventing what could have been a devastating outcome for the children involved. The agency has urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities they may come across, particularly at border areas or in relation to the movement of minors without proper documentation.
“As a society, we all have a role to play in protecting our children,” the NAPTIP spokesperson added. “We urge Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Together, we can put an end to human trafficking.”
