Niger State Government has rescued 21 underage children from a human trafficking syndicate in Magama Local Government Area.
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Minna on Wednesday, expressed shock over the rescue operation.
The victims, all young boys with an average age of 10 years, were from Magama Local Government Area.
He said an individual suspected of human trafficking was apprehended in Geidam, Yobe State, while transporting the children to Niger Republic.
Garba emphasised that human trafficking contravenes Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which guarantees respect for human dignity.
He described human trafficking as a classical example of man’s inhumanity to man, with victims subjected to hard labor, prostitution, and organ harvesting.
He pledged the state government commitment to work with the Federal Government to combat human trafficking, particularly in the face of terrorism.
Garba vowed that the state government would decisively approach the issue and ensure the restoration of peace and human dignity.
He urged council chairmen, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and parents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
He warned that parents who aid human trafficking will face consequences.
The Deputy Governor appreciated the Federal Government, security agencies, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) for their efforts in arresting suspects and returning victims to the state.
