Adamawa State officials reunited 14 children, trafficked to the Southeast, with their families, in a ceremony organized in Yola, the state’s capital.
The rescued children, aged between 4 and 9 years, were victims of a trafficking ring that sold them for sums ranging from ₦800,000 to ₦1.7 million each. The trafficker, a woman named Ngozi Abdulwahab who operated a modest provision shop in Jambutu Ward, Yola-North, reportedly enticed children with snacks before transporting them to Anambra State for resale.
Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta expressed a mix of sadness and joy during the handover. She warned that Adamawa has unfortunately become known for this horrific crime. The authorities acted swiftly following intelligence reports in July 2025, leading to the trafficker’s arrest with the cooperation of police, DSS, and NSCDC. The rescued minors underwent medical and psychological care before being reunited with their loved ones.
Husseini Shehu, father of nine-year-old Fatima who was abducted while playing, revealed how the ordeal left him sleepless and anguished. Seeing his daughter again brought him to tears. Similarly, Aisha Isa, mother of five-year-old Muhammad Buba, whispered her gratitude to God for her son’s safe return.
Community members expressed shock that the trafficker lived unnoticed among them, disguised as an ordinary trader. Mohammed Abubakar, father of another rescued child, lamented how she (Ngozi) sold children “like goats in the market”.
The government has promised to prosecute those involved under relevant child protection and trafficking laws. They also provided each family with ₦100,000 and food supplies to ease reintegration. Monitoring will continue through the Ministry of Women Affairs and local welfare agencies to ensure the children’s welfare.
Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta said,
These children were turned into objects of trade. Some were sold for significant sums. This heinous crime is a painful reality for the victims, their families, and our state. Adamawa is not a haven for traffickers. We will dismantle their networks and prosecute them fully. This is not just a threat, but a commitment
Husseini Shehu, father of one of the children trafficked, shared
I thought my daughter was dead. For two months, I did not sleep. When I saw her today, I cried like a child myself. No parent should endure such pain.
Aisha Isa, Mother of one of the children trafficked, shared
They stole my only child. I pleaded with God every day. Today, I know He is alive.
This reunion symbolizes a win against the scourge of child trafficking with highlights from the ongoing battle to protect children in Nigeria. Public vigilance and parental responsibility remain crucial in preventing future tragedies, as the fight continues.
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