Nigeria Immigration Intercepts 21 Minors At Niger Border Over Suspected Trafficking

Nigerian Immigration intercepts 21 suspected minors at the Nigeria-Niger border. Officials suspect human trafficking and have handed them over to NAPTIP for investigation.

21 Suspected Minors Without Travel Documents Stopped at Nigeria-Niger Border

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted 21 minors suspected to be potential victims of human trafficking near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border in Geidam, Yobe State. The minors, aged seven to fifteen years, were reportedly being transported from Magama Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State to Niger Republic for studies but lacked any valid travel documents.

Immigration Hands Over Minors to NAPTIP for Investigation

While handing over the suspected victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Sani Sule-Jega, the Yobe State Comptroller of Immigration, emphasized that their duty is to prevent illegal border crossings and ensure migration is properly managed.

“These minors were intercepted at the Geidam Border Out-Post, which was established to curb illegal entry. Since they had no travel documents, we suspect they could be victims of trafficking. We have now handed them over to NAPTIP for further investigation,” Sule-Jega explained.

Guardian Claims Children Were Being Taken for Studies

The alleged guardian, Abubakar Sadiq, defended his actions, stating that the children’s parents had sent him to find an affordable school for them in Niger Republic.

“Their parents requested that I find a cost-effective school for them, which is why I am taking them to Maine in Niger Republic,” Sadiq told Channels Television.

However, due to the lack of proper travel documentation, immigration officials remain skeptical about the true nature of their journey.

Authorities Continue Investigation

Both the guardian, the driver, and the minors have now been handed over to NAPTIP for further questioning and verification of their claims. Authorities will investigate whether this case involves child trafficking or is a genuine educational migration.

This development highlights the importance of border security and the ongoing efforts of Nigerian authorities to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.