The Adamawa State government has revealed how it uncovered a child trafficking syndicate and rescued 14 children who were sold in Anambra for prices ranging between N800,000 and N1.7 million.
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Speaking at the Government House in Yola on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta explained that the breakthrough followed several reports of missing children across Adamawa in July. According to her, the government launched a joint operation with security agencies, which led to the arrest of suspected trafficker Ngozi Abdulwahab.
Investigations showed that Abdulwahab allegedly lured children aged four to nine with snacks and small gifts at her shop in Jambutu Ward, Yola North, before moving them to Anambra, where they were sold.
The rescued children were formally reunited with their families at a ceremony in Yola. Many parents wept with relief as they embraced their children after weeks of uncertainty.
Farauta expressed deep concern that Adamawa had become a target for child traffickers, describing the incident as both “sad and disturbing.” She assured that those behind the crime will face prosecution under the Trafficking in Persons Act 2015, the Adamawa Child Protection Law, and other relevant laws.
As part of its support, the state government announced that each family of the rescued children would receive N100,000, as well as food and non-food items to help them settle back into normal life.
The deputy governor also urged parents to remain vigilant and called on residents to assist security agencies in exposing networks involved in child trafficking.
