NAPTIP Rescues 21 Boys from Trafficking in Niger

Kehinde Fajobi

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 21 boys from Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, who were being trafficked to the Republic of Niger.

The boys, aged between 8 and 17, were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Geidam border post in Yobe State while en route to Maine, Diffa. The boys were immediately handed over to NAPTIP for further care.

At a handover ceremony in Abuja, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta L. Adamu Bello, confirmed that the children had been rescued two days prior and placed under the agency’s protection.

“We are here today to hand over 21 young boys who were being trafficked to the Republic of Niger. They were intercepted by immigration officers at the border and handed over to us,” Bello said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the boys were allegedly being taken to an Islamic school in Niger Republic.

However, Bello questioned the need for such a trip when similar schools exist in Niger State.

“My advice to the Niger State Government is to counsel the parents and these children, rehabilitate them, and ensure they are enrolled in Islamiyya schools that also offer Western education,” she said.

Receiving the boys, Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Hon. Ahmed Suleiman Yunusa, praised NAPTIP for its swift action and assured that the state would prioritize the children’s welfare.

“I appreciate the DG of NAPTIP for this prompt action. We are grateful for this intervention,” Yunusa stated.

He also emphasised the role of parents, stressing that they must be accountable for their children’s welfare.

“Parents must be accountable. When blessed with children, you have a duty to care for them,” he added.

The commissioner assured that the boys would be reunited with their families after undergoing proper counseling and rehabilitation.

“This is not just the governor’s responsibility; all of us in government must be vigilant in protecting our children. Thankfully, this time the traffickers did not succeed,” he concluded.

Hon. Danjuma Nalango, Director-General of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Niger State, was also present at the handover.

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