13 Children Rescued as Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Police Command has successfully rescued 13 children from the hands of a child trafficking syndicate operating between Adamawa and Anambra States.

The shocking discovery was confirmed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, who said the children, aged between 5 and 9 years, were abducted from different areas in Adamawa and sold to a buyer in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Nguroje said the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies and the state government after receiving credible intelligence.

“Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case,” he revealed.

“One is 45-year-old Mrs. Ngozi Abdulwahab, who lives in Jambutu, Yola North, and allegedly sold the children—including her own—to 65-year-old Mrs. Uche Okoye in Kabuku, Nnewi.”

Authorities are now working to identify the parents of the rescued children and reunite them with their families.

In reaction to the incident, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri described the trafficking as "inhumane", and assured that the victims are being given medical treatment and psychological care at the Specialist Hospital in Jimeta.

The case has drawn wide condemnation, with many Nigerians calling for stricter punishment for human traffickers and stronger child protection laws.

Police investigations are ongoing.