The Niger State government has taken custody of 21 trafficked children, with an average age of nine, who were intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Gaidam, Yobe State, while being transported to Niger Republic.

According to Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the children—all from Magama Local Government Area of Niger State—were rescued by authorities. While receiving the victims on behalf of the state government, Garba did not disclose the identity of the person leading them, stating that investigations into the trafficking incident are ongoing.

In an unexpected turn, one of the parents, Usman Jamilu, denied that his children—six-year-old Umar Jamilu and five-year-old Maruf Jamilu—were trafficked. He claimed he willingly entrusted them to a man named Malam Abubakar, a well-known figure in their community who had studied in Niger Republic.

The rescue of these children underscores the persistent issue of human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. Reports indicate that thousands of children fall victim to trafficking each year, often forced into labor, early marriage, or prostitution.

The Niger State government has pledged to provide care and support for the rescued children as authorities continue their investigation.