The Kaduna State government has successfully rescued 13 children who were allegedly trafficked outside the state and sold to child traffickers. The children were first taken to Abuja and later transported to Enugu by a criminal syndicate. Some members of the syndicate are still at large, and authorities are working tirelessly to bring them to justice.
Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, shared the details of the rescue operation during a press briefing. She explained that one of the children had been abducted as a mere seven-day-old infant and is now seven years old. Due to the nature of their abduction, the children have lost track of their original locations, but efforts are underway to reunite them with their families. She added that the children had their names changed from Hausa to other identities, complicating the process of identifying their true origins.
The children are currently receiving special care under the state government’s emergency support system, which includes psychosocial counseling, medical treatment, nutritional support, and rehabilitation. These efforts are aimed at helping the children recover from the trauma they endured during their time in captivity.
Salisu further disclosed that on March 24, 2025, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development received 11 children from the Commissioner of Police’s office in Abuja. During subsequent investigations, five members of the criminal syndicate revealed that the leader of the gang runs an orphanage in Abuja, which she uses as a front to house the abducted children temporarily. From there, she negotiates the sale of the children to prospective buyers, primarily in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
The scale of the operation is alarming, as many of the children rescued have completely lost their identities. They can no longer recall where they come from, and the authorities are focused on re-establishing their true identities and reconnecting them with their biological families. On April 9, 2025, the government received an additional seven children from the police in Kaduna. These children were part of the same trafficking ring but had been brought back from various locations, including Birnin Kebbi, where six others had been sold to a woman known as Maman Salamatu in Calabar. The true identity of the woman remains concealed as investigations are still ongoing in Kebbi State.
Salisu also appealed to parents who have lost children in similar circumstances to come forward with verifiable evidence, such as proof of birth and other relevant information, in order to assist with the reunification process. She urged parents to be more vigilant in safeguarding their children, emphasizing the importance of good parenting, moral upbringing, and awareness of potential dangers that could expose children to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
One of the victims, Ali Adamu, whose daughter Maryam was abducted two months ago from Kogi State, expressed his gratitude to the Kaduna State government and all agencies involved in his daughter’s rescue. He was emotional as he shared his relief at being reunited with her. He also called on other parents to remain vigilant and protect their children, advising that the trauma of losing a child to trafficking is something no parent should have to endure.
The case is still under investigation, with authorities continuing their efforts to dismantle the syndicate and ensure that all children affected by this heinous crime are safely returned to their homes.
