Taraba State rescued eight children trafficked to southeastern Nigeria under false pretences of being orphans. Authorities intercepted traffickers and reunited children with families

Eight children, falsely claimed to be orphans, have been rescued in Taraba State from traffickers attempting to move them to southeastern Nigeria, highlighting ongoing efforts against child exploitation.

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A collaborative effort between the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has led to the successful rescue of eight trafficked children. The children were recovered from Minda Village in the Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Briefing journalists in Jalingo on Friday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Mary Sinjen, revealed that the children were lured and subsequently trafficked to various locations in southeastern Nigeria, including Aba, Onitsha, and parts of Imo State.

The traffickers had falsely claimed to prospective exploiters that the children were orphans.

“These innocent children were deceitfully taken away from their homes and trafficked to Aba, Onitsha, and parts of Imo State,” Mrs Sinjen stated. “The traffickers claimed they were orphans, but investigations revealed otherwise.”

According to the Commissioner, the illegal trafficking operation was intercepted in Gembu, which is located in the Sardauna Local Government Area, following crucial intelligence reports.

“Our team, in collaboration with NAPTIP, acted swiftly and successfully rescued the children before they could be further exploited. The traffickers were intercepted in Gembu while attempting to move more victims,” she added.

Mrs Sinjen further disclosed that after thorough and careful investigations, all eight children were safely reunited with their biological parents in March 2025.

“One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this case is that the victims confirmed they were sold without the knowledge or consent of their families,” the commissioner poignantly noted.

The principal suspect implicated in this heinous crime has been identified as Mrs Patience. Several accomplices were also apprehended, and all are currently in custody awaiting prosecution.

“We will not rest until every child involved in this criminal network is rescued, and all those responsible are brought to justice,” Mrs Sinjen vowed with determination.

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has strongly condemned the act, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering zero tolerance policy towards human trafficking and child abuse.

“Every child in Taraba matters, and we will continue to do everything within our power to protect them from harm. This government is committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable among us,” the Governor asserted in an official statement.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, along with security agencies, has issued an urgent appeal to residents to maintain vigilance and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities within their local communities.

“Safeguarding our children is a collective responsibility. We urge all residents to speak up when they see something unusual,” Mrs Sinjen earnestly appealed to the public.